Cavalier Clippings

Picture retakes are Monday, October 19th

Please review your pictures online! BAK Photography sent emails out on Tuesday, October 13th. The email was from BAK Photography and was titled, "South Lake HS School Pictures Are Online!" You can click on the red box in the email to see your pictures. From there, you can either order or decide if you want to have your picture retaken on Monday.

If you have already sent in your order form, please check the picture online to see if you (or your student) need to retake your picture on Monday.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Bruce in the main office at mbbruce@solake.org.

Seniors

Cap and gown orders will be collected at lunches on Thursday, October 22. If your student needs an order form, extras are available in the main office.

Senior FAFSA Workshop - for senior parents/students needing help completing the FAFSA

Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM

South Lake High School, Computer Lab - Room 117

Please click on the button below to register.

If you have not completed this information, please do so. The benefits that the district receives is much more than just what used to be used for free or reduced meals in the past.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this important form! 💙💛

South Lake Schools have implemented a new Wireless Communication Device (WCD) Guideline at South Lake High School and South Lake Middle School. This policy is required by Michigan Public Act 2 of 2026 and applies to all public schools in the state.

Under this law, students may not use or display personal wireless devices during the school day, including during lunch. This includes:

• Cell phones
• Personal headphones or earbuds
• Smart devices not issued by the school

When does the policy apply?
From the morning warning bell to the dismissal bell, including classrooms, hallways, and common areas.

What happens if a device is seen?

• The device will be confiscated and taken to the main office
• Progressive consequences will apply for repeated violations
• Only the Parents/Guardians that are listed in PowerSchool will be allowed to pick up the device following the third violation.
• Failure to turn over a device is considered insubordination and may result in suspension or expulsion

Students are encouraged not to bring personal devices to school. South Lake Schools cannot be responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

We understand that this represents a shift for many families. The purpose of this policy is to support classroom focus, student learning, and a positive school environment, while ensuring compliance with state law. Restorative practices will be used whenever appropriate.

Attendance Codes

• T (Tardy): Late to class by less than 10 minutes.
• TU10 (Tardy Over 10 Minutes): More than 10 minutes late. Counts as an unverified absence toward the attendance policy.
• DOC (Documented Absence): Proper documentation provided (doctor's note, court paperwork, etc.) and parent/guardian contacts the school within 48 hours. Does not count toward attendance limits.
• VER (Verified Absence): Parent/guardian contacts the school within 48 hours. Counts toward the attendance policy, but students may make up missed work.
• UNV (Unverified Absence): No parent/guardian contact within 48 hours. Counts toward the attendance policy, and students cannot make up missed work.

Semester Exam Exemption

Students may be exempt from semester exams if they:

• Have 5 or fewer verified absences,
• Have zero unverified absences,
• Have 5 or fewer tardies,
• Demonstrate satisfactory academic performance each quarter.

Attendance Consequences

Absences

• At 7 absences in a class: Student is placed on an attendance contract.
• More than 14 absences in a class: Student loses 7% of their semester grade for each absence beyond the 14th.

Tardies

• At 7 tardies in a class: Student is placed on an attendance contract.
• More than 14 tardies in a class: Student loses one letter grade from their semester grade for each tardy beyond the 14th (for example, C- becomes D+).

Attendance Contract

When a student reaches the attendance or tardy threshold:

• The student and parent/guardian receive additional information about the policy.
• The student meets with the principal or designee.
• A contract is developed that may include opportunities to make up lost instructional time.

Key takeaway: Parents should report absences within 48 hours, provide documentation when applicable, and students should avoid excessive absences and tardies to remain eligible for exam exemptions and avoid grade penalties.

The safety of you and your children is of the utmost importance to South Lake High School. Before and after school can be very dangerous with the amount of traffic coming and going. In our efforts to keep your children safe, we will be strictly enforcing Michigan Law and the City of St. Clair Shores ordinances. The following items are such laws and ordinances that must be followed. Violations of these laws or ordinances may result in a civil infraction citation from the St. Clair Shores Police Department.

3. Parking is prohibited in all entrance and exit areas of the school building. Obstructing an entrance or exit with a motor vehicle is prohibited.

• Park in a designated parking space in the parking lot.
• Once your student is in your vehicle, proceed to the exit lanes either out onto Nine Mile Road or out back to Cavalier Drive. Exits from the parking lot shall be in accordance with any directional signs posted.

Exits to Nine Mile Road

5. Do not exit the parking lot to the far west, closest to Harper, as it is an entrance only during drop off and pick up.

If you have any questions, please contact South Lake Schools’ liaison officer: Detective Munger at (586) 435-1413 or rmunger@solake.org.

We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

To help ensure a safe and orderly dismissal, please make sure your child has transportation arranged to leave campus promptly after school. Students may remain on school grounds only if they are involved in a supervised activity, detention, or practice under the direction of South Lake staff.

With warmer weather, students waiting for rides or activities to begin will be asked to wait outside. Loitering inside the building after school is not permitted.

Students who repeatedly fail to follow these expectations may face disciplinary consequences, including suspension.

Families will need to opt-in to receive SMS text messages through our new communication tool, SchoolMessenger. Please click the link below for more information.

Monday, October 19 - Picture Retakes

Tuesday, October 20 - CARE visit during lunches

Wednesday, October 21 - Volleyball vs. Cousino (Away)

Thursday, October 22 - Graduate Services (Cap and Gown orders at lunches); Volleyball vs. New Haven (Home)

Friday, October 23 - No School for Students (Professional Learning Day); Football vs. Warren Woods Tower (Away)

• Students must present their 2026-2027 Student ID in MINGA and a purchased ticket to enter all home sporting events this year.
• New students to South Lake High School, may present a copy of their high school schedule until their ID has been updated in MINGA.
• Only students from South Lake High School and the visiting team will be allowed to enter. Students from other local high schools will not be allowed to enter.
• There is a no re-entry policy for all home events. Please plan accordingly to have your items with you at time of entry.
• We have a strict No Ski Mask policy at all home events. No one may enter wearing a Ski Mask and will be asked to leave if later found to be wearing a Ski Mask.
• No refunds will be issued to those individuals that are not following these policies.