Wixom Howler
April 6-17
Important Dates
April
4/6- School resumes
4/7- Fire Drill and Reading Assembly @ 2:30
4/9- M-STEP testing begins
4/7- PTA Meeting at 6:00 pm in the media center
4/16-Spring Pictures
4/10- Bus Evacuation am
4/10 JK Field Trip Outdoor Center
4/11-Spring Family Event
4/16-Spring Pictures
4/16-3rd French Fur Trade- Media Center 8:45-2:00
4/20- Spring i-Ready window opens
4/21- Staff Meeting and 4th grade to DIA
4/24-Title 1 morning Event 8:00-8:45 Media Center
4/28-NED Assembly & 1/2 Day
May
5/12-Kindergarten Hour 2:00
5/22-WLW Senior Clap Out 3:00
5/28-5th Grade BBQ 1:00-2:00
June
6/5-Field Day am
6/10-5th Grade Celebration 9:30 right after will be the clap out
Birthday Bags and Treats
We have a number of students with allergies at Wixom. To help keep all of our students safe, we are not allowing any food birthday treats. Please do not send in candy, cupcakes, cookies, or any other food items.
We are also not allowing gift bags or goodie bags, and we are not able to send them home with students.
If you are looking for an alternative way to celebrate your child, you may consider donating a book to your child’s classroom in their honor.
We don't want any upset birthday students, so please don't put us in the position where we need to return birthday treats to you.
NOT RETURNING TO WIXOM FOR 26-27
In order to plan for the 2026-2027 school year, we need to know which current students will not be returning to Wixom in the fall. Some families already have definite plans to move to another community and some families may be contemplating a possible move. Please click on the button below and complete the Google Form if your child(ren) will not be returning to Wixom in the fall. Please complete this form by Friday, April 24.
If you are staying at Wixom Elementary for the 26-27 school year, please DO NOT complete this form.
Parent Input Form
Please fill out the by April 17th.
Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom
How can family members and caregivers support kids’ literacy development outside of school, beyond the classroom? In this introductory episode, Emily Butler Smith, Amanda Hartman and Natalie Louis share research, insights, and practical advice on supporting literacy development and connection with students of all ages. Bringing their experience as former classroom teachers and current staff developers, parents, and caregivers, they consider the everyday opportunities for joyful and meaningful literacy growth.
Spring Pictures
There will be Spring Pictures being taken on Thursday, April 16th.
Field Day
Save the Date, Friday June 5th in the morning.
MSTEP
Starting April 9th through May 15th, we will begin M-STEP testing. M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) is an important statewide assessment that measures student achievement in key academic areas, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
It is important that students get a good night’s rest and arrive to school on time, as testing will take place in the morning when students are most focused and ready to do their best. Classroom teachers will be sharing their specific testing schedules.
Testing will begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. It is extremely important that your child arrives on time. If a student arrives late, they will not be able to test that day.
5th Grade Events
5/28-BBQ & Kona Ice 1:00
6/2-DQ and Library
6/5- Field Day
6/10-9:30 Celebration and clap out right after
Elementary Toy Gun Communication
A reminder: possession of look-alike weapons, including toy guns, dart guns, and BB guns, is strictly prohibited on all school grounds and properties. This applies not only during school hours but also after school hours and on weekends. As the weather warms and families may be accessing playgrounds, these items are not permitted. For the safety of our school community, we want everyone to be aware that these devices are not allowed at any time on school property.
What forms are required?
You will be asked to fill out just one of the following, depending on your school:
- Education and Nutrition Benefits Application
What is the name of the form and where can I get it?
- Parents will need to reopen their Back-to-School Packet and edit the step with the application. Starting October 1st, it moves to the Food Service tab of Family Access. (See attached for instructions and locations).
Why should I fill out the School Meals Application or Education Benefits form?
- School funding. We need all families to fill out this form so that your district receives the necessary resources to continue to provide all students with the highest quality education, including funding for things like computers, books, school supplies, and more.
- Technology funding. Your district receives more funding for internet access and computers.
- Summer EBT grocery benefits. Filling out this form may help provide your family with money for groceries over the summer.
- SAT, ACT, and AP test discounts. If your household qualifies, you can receive discounts for academic testing.
- College application discounts. If your household qualifies, you can receive discounts for college application fees.
- Athletics. If your household qualifies, you may receive discounts for fees associated with participating in athletics.
Do I need to fill out a School Meal form for each student?
- No, only one (1) application per household needs to be completed. However, please include the names of all students in your household enrolled in your district on your form.
Is the information I provide confidential?
- Yes, all personal information you provide on the form is kept strictly confidential.
When do I need to complete the form?
- Please complete as soon as possible.
How do I know I completed the form?
- All families that have competed AND submitted their application have been processed and their Determination Letters have been sent email and Skyward messenger. (See below for how to find the letter in Skyward). The email comes from Family Access.
- The application is only available in Skyward. It is BEST to use a computer not a mobile device of any kind. Also, we have 10 Business Days to review their application once submitted.
Math Course Skipping 2nd-6th grades only
Every year the district provides the opportunity for students to test out or "skip" their next math course. If you are interested, please see the letter below from Ellen McDonald, Walled Lake's Math Coordinator. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher.
FEE Incoming Kindergarten Welcome Kit
The Walled Lake Consolidated Schools' Foundation For Excellence would like to help you celebrate your incoming kindergartner and junior kindergartner with a Kindergarten Welcome Kit!
Kindergarten Welcome Kits cost $35 with the proceeds supporting the Foundation for Excellence's mission to provide additional educational resources to classrooms across the district.
Each kit includes a "Grow with Me" t-shirt, yard sign, and information about your child's elementary school to help with the transition to kindergarten
Set Up Your Communication Preferences
Not receiving district and/or building communications?
If you are not receiving emails from Mrs. O'Connell, like The Wixom Howler, or District Weekly Updates, please use the link below to double-check your preferences are correct.
Signing Up for SMS Messages via Skylert
In addition to receiving phone calls and email notifications from the school district in the event of a school closing or emergency, parents can also sign up to receive SMS Text messages.
Please find the helpful step-by-step instructions linked below as well as the video tutorial on signing up for SMS messages.
Below you will find the topic of focus the next two weeks.
I strongly encourage families to click on the links below and use the family resources to reinforce the learning at home! Once you click on the P2 for Families, you’ll find 1 quote, 1 video, and 3 questions to help you and your children discuss The Positivity Project’s character strength of the week. Please join us!
Tardies
We have noticed an increase in students arriving late to school and being picked up early. These interruptions can cause disruptions both in the office and in classrooms, impacting students' learning time. We kindly ask that, whenever possible, students arrive on time and stay for the full school day to help maintain a smooth and productive environment for all. Thank you for your cooperation in supporting our school community!
We understand that occasional delays happen, but we kindly ask that every effort be made to have your child at school by [insert time]. If you are experiencing any challenges that impact morning routines, please feel free to reach out, and we will do our best to provide support.
Weekend Food Program
Wixom Elementary Families,
Starting January of 2024, Hospitality House and Walled Lake Schools collaborated to bring the weekend food program to Wixom Elementary. The purpose of this program is to provide food support for your school age child during the weekend when school breakfast and lunch are not available. We are currently seeking the names of students that would like to participate in the weekend food program this school year. If your child participates in this program, they will receive a discreet bag with food to take home each Friday. The bag will contain enough food for 6 meals and snacks for the weekend. This program is at NO COST to you or your child.
Families must be eligible for the free/reduced lunch program.
All food included will be nut free but may be manufactured in a facility that processes nuts.
The food distribution day may change due to holidays or the school schedule.
The bags will be packed by volunteers of Hospitality House.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Wixom or Hospitality House at 248-960-9975.
If you would like to sign your child up for this program, which will begin later in September, please complete this form by Friday, September 19th. Up to two children per family may be included in the program.
Examples of what may be in the bag:
Mac N Cheese
Cereal
Oatmeal Packs
Juice
Raisins
Spaghetti Noodles and Sauce
Potato Flakes
Rice
Soup
Bread
Granola Bars
Crackers
Bagels
Applesauce
Complete Authorization to Administer Medication, if needed
If your child needs to have medication administered at school, parents must complete an Authorization to Administer Medication Form.
Once the form is completed, drop it off at our main office as soon as possible. You can also email it to our secretaries Mrs. Michele Abele (MicheleAbele@wlcsd.org) or Mrs. Tamara Baker (TamaraBaker@wlcsd.org)
Prime Time Care Registration
Prime Time Care is designed for parents who require child care before and/or after school. This state-licensed program is available at all twelve elementary schools for children enrolled in Junior Kindergarten through fifth grade. Prime Time Care follows the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools calendar for holiday recess and inclement weather closings. Prime Time Care Registration will open soon.
Prime Time Care registration for 2025-26 is now OPEN!
We are no longer using Skyward for Prime Time Care registration. All registrations will take place through our new system, ARUX. PLEASE read the instructions before completing your registration.
Before reaching out, please review our updated FAQs on the registration portal. If you still have general questions about the program, please contact Terri Szymanski or Deborah Olsen.
Popcorn Dates
WIXOM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
Carrie O'Connell
Principal: Mrs. Carrie O'Connell CarrieOConnell@wlcsd.org
Principal Secretary: Mrs. Michele Abele (MicheleAbele@wlcsd.org)
Building Secretary: Mrs. Tamara Baker (TamaraBaker@wlcsd.org)
Office: 248-956-3400
FAX: 248-956-3405
Absence Line: 248-956-3490
Late Bus Hotline: 248-956-5199 - All late buses will be listed on the hotline if the driver is running TEN OR MORE minutes late.
Address:
301 North Wixom Road
Wixom, MI 48393
Bell Times
Drop Off: 8:50 a.m.
School Begins: 8:55 a.m.
Tardy: 9:00
Breakfast Ends: 9:10
Dismissal Begins with:
Wolf Pup Car Pick Up-3:45
Walkers & Prime Time 3:50
Busses: 4:00
If your child is going to be late to school or absent from school, please call Wixom’s 24-hour attendance hotline number at 248-956-3490 by 8:45 AM and our voicemail system will record your message. Or you may send an email to Mrs. Baker at TamaraBaker@wlcsd.org with the subject “Attendance”. If we do not hear from you, by 9:30 AM, you will be contacted to assure your child’s safety and to determine his/her whereabouts.