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 - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

• Sept. 21: Half Day for Students
  
• Sept. 22: WLN Homecoming
• Sept. 22: WLW Homecoming
• Sept. 25: No School for Students or Staff
• Sept. 26: PTSA Council Meeting at Dublin Elementary
• Oct. 5: Board of Education Regular Meeting
• Oct. 6: WLC Homecoming

Visit www.wlcsd.org/calendar for a complete list of events with details.

Congratulations to our four students that have been named semifinalists for the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship; Ryann Hunt, Anna Loszewski, Alyssa Paolicchi and Kyra Wong.

Hunt and Loszewski are students at Walled Lake Northern and Paolicchi and Wong attend Walled Lake Western.

You can read more about these students and their accomplishments in the District News section of our website.

Walled Lake Western senior captain, Ryah Dewey, claimed the title of Michigan's top outside hitter. She earned the crown claiming 58.52% of the votes (6,554 votes) in a poll created by SB Live.

Walled Lake Central's Brielle Thomas took second receiving 3,260 votes (29.11%). View the complete poll and nominees.

Teachers and students across the District celebrated Constitution Day the week of September 17th. “Constitution Day is meant to celebrate and commemorate September 17, 1787, the day the United States Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution," said Andrea Abraham, K-12 Instructional Coach for English Language Arts and Social Studies. "Walled Lake teachers and students observe this day by participating in fun and engaging educational programs and activities which help students learn about the Constitution, the many important amendments, and the Bill of Rights.”

Keith Elementary was the first school to attend 5th Grade Camp this week at our incredible Outdoor Education Center. Students had a blast learning about nature, completing team building activities and conquering the climbing tower!

The James R. Geisler Middle School volleyball team dedicated their season opener to Samantha Olekszy ('15), who suddenly passed away on September 10, 2023. Samantha was a member of the Wolves volleyball team in middle school. She also attended Hickory Woods Elementary and Walled Lake Western High School. Samantha was 26 years old.

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.

As you know, the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has ended and all remaining state epidemic orders have been rescinded. This, however, does not change the recommendation to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as isolation and masks. The expectation is that students, families, and staff will follow the recommended guidelines regarding COVID-19. With that said, at this time, for the 2023-24 school year, COVID-19 positive cases will no longer be monitored at the District level and timelines will not be provided. Please see below for recommendations should your student test positive for COVID-19:

• Stay home, separate from others, and follow the recommended guidance from your physician, the Centers for Disease Control, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and/or the Oakland County Health Division.
• Report absence to the school secretary.
• Questions or concerns should be directed to your physician or the Oakland County Nurse On Call Line at 800-848-5533.

Thank you for keeping the health and safety of our students and staff a priority in Walled Lake Schools.

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 everyday 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.

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.

• Signing Up for SMS Messages via Skylert
  

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, along with most school districts in Michigan, have made significant cost reductions as a result of state funding reductions and declining enrollment. At the same time, operational costs including utilities and insurance continue to rise at a rate much faster than incoming revenue. The district implemented athletic participation fees in an effort to limit athletic program reductions.

Current school year fees:

• $255 per high school sport
• $120 per middle school sport
• Students participating in self-funded sports (ice hockey, in-line hockey, equestrian, bowling, figure skating, water polo and lacrosse) are exempt from the fee.

Family Caps:

• $510 for high school sports

• $240 for middle school sports

  
  

Middle School Example:

• 1 middle schooler playing 1 sport. Total Cost = $120
• 1 middle schooler playing 2 sports. Total Cost = $240
• 2 middle schoolers playing 2 sports each (who are siblings). Total Cost = $240

High School Example:

• 1 high schooler playing 1 sport. Total Cost = $255
• 1 high schooler playing 2 sports. Total Cost = $510

Combination Example (MS & HS):

• 2 high schoolers playing 2 sports each (who are siblings). Total Cost = $510
• 1 middle schooler playing 1 sport, 1 high schooler playing 1 sport (who are siblings) Total Cost = $375
• 1 middle schooler playing 2 sports, 1 high schooler playing 2 sports (who are siblings) Total Cost = $510

The maximum amount a family would pay per year, including families with middle school and high school athletes, is $510.

Please contact the Athletic Department at (248) 956-2073 or visit our Pay to Participate webpage should you have any questions or require additional information.

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