Wattles Gazette August 2026

Dear Wattles Families,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year at Wattles Elementary! I hope your summer was filled with rest, joy, and special moments with family and friends. We are so excited to open our doors and begin another year of learning, growth, and connection with your children.

Before we begin the year, I would like to sincerely thank our families for the many thoughtful emails, handwritten notes, cards, and generous gifts you shared with me after I announced my retirement. Your kindness, encouragement, and support were truly overwhelming and deeply appreciated.

As many of you know, I had planned to retire in June. However, with so many exciting changes taking place at Wattles this year, including new teachers and transitions within our office team, I have decided to remain for one additional year to help provide stability and continuity for our students, staff, and families. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend another year with this wonderful community and look forward to making this school year a very special one.

At Wattles, we believe that strong school-home partnerships make all the difference in a child's success. One of the most important ways we stay connected with families is through The Wattles Gazette. This weekly newsletter is my primary mode of communication, and it contains essential information, updates, and celebrations from across our school community. Please make it a priority to read the Gazette in its entirety each week so you don't miss anything important.

Together, we'll continue building a school culture rooted in kindness, respect, perseverance, and responsibility—values that guide everything we do. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being such an important part of our school community. I am looking forward to a year filled with learning, laughter, and memorable experiences.

With warmth and gratitude,
Amy Wallace
Principal, Wattles Elementary

• Tuesday, August 25 - First Day of School; 1/2 Day for ALL students
• 12:29 PM Dismissal (no breakfast or lunch)
• Tuesday, August 25 - Coffee & Kleenex with Kinders 8:45 AM for our new kinder parents (see flyer below)
• Wednesday, August 26 - Full Day of School Grades 1-5; 1/2 Day for Kinders
• Full day for 1-5th grade (no breakfast; lunch provided)
• Half-day for kindergarten (12:29 PM dismissal, no lunch, transportation is provided)
• Thursday, August 27 - Full Day of School Grades 1-5; 1/2 Day for Kinders
• Full day for 1-5th grade (no breakfast; lunch provided)
• Half-day for kindergarten (12:29 PM dismissal, no lunch, transportation is provided)
• Friday, August 28 - Full Day of School Grades 1-5; 1/2 Day for Kinders
• Full day for 1-5th grade (no breakfast; lunch provided)
• Half-day for kindergarten (12:29 PM dismissal, no lunch, transportation is provided)

Please see the CARE schedule for the first week of school! Need care for your child(ren)? If so, see the flyer below for registration information. You have until noon on Friday, August 14 to register!

Teacher assignments will be released through your PowerSchool Parent Portal on August 18th after 4:00 PM. Please take a moment to update your emergency contact and medical information before August 18th, as you will not be able to view your child's teacher assignment until this is complete. To do so, please login to your parent portal PowerSchool Parent Portal, and click Forms from the left menu. Click the Update Contact and Medical Information (Current School Year). If all contact information is correct, just check the Yes button under “The contacts listed below are correct and no changes are needed.” Make any contact or medical updates and sign, and submit the form.

Every family has a PowerSchool Parent Portal login. If you need help remembering your username or resetting a password, please email pssupport@troy.k12.mi.us.

Once the form is submitted, your teacher assignment will appear on your screen.

One of the most exciting moments of the school year is meeting your child's teacher for the very first time! We can't wait to welcome your family on Thursday, August 20, from 4:00–5:00 PM for Meet the Teacher. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit your child's classroom, meet their teacher, and drop off school supplies so your child is ready for an amazing first day of school.

To help make the evening enjoyable for everyone, and to reduce traffic in our parking lot and neighborhood, please arrive during the time assigned to your family's last name as noted on the flyer. If you live nearby, we encourage you to walk or ride your bike to school. Your cooperation helps ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all of our Wattles families.

You'll be signing up for your child's free PTO t-shirt at Meet the Teacher!

We can't wait to see you! 💙🐾

Below you will find supply lists for the 2026-2027 school year.

Please join us for a parent-only event to learn about TSD curriculum!

It's time to gear up for another amazing year at Wattles! Spirit wear is now available, and there's something for everyone. Whether you're a student, parent, grandparent, or staff member, we hope you'll show your Wildcat pride by wearing your Wattles gear throughout the year.

Spirit wear makes a great back-to-school purchase and is perfect for school events, field trips, and Spirit Days. Orders can be placed online through the spirit wear store. Be sure to place your order before the deadline!

Mark your calendars for Family Game Night on Thursday, October 22, from 6:00–7:00 PM at Wattles Elementary!

Bring the whole family for an evening of laughter, connection, and friendly competition. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of fun games while spending quality time together and building community with other Wattles families.

More details will be shared soon—we can't wait to see you there!

Students may be released to parents or anyone listed as an approved "school pickup" contact in your PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you have any special custody arrangements or if there’s someone your child should not be released to, please reach out to me directly via email so we can ensure their safety.

A governor typically orders flags at half-staff to show respect, mourning, or distress, usually in response to the death of a government official, a member of the military or first responder, or a national tragedy. Additionally, flags may be flown at half-staff on specific days of remembrance like Memorial Day and Patriot Day.

Need accident insurance for your child?

• Cell phones and personal devices must remain silent, with notifications disabled, and stored in backpacks or lockers during school hours.
  

• Student communication during the school day must occur through the main office unless approved by a staff member.
  

• Wearable devices may be worn, but notifications and communication features must be disabled.
  

• Earbuds, headphones, and interactive glasses require staff permission.
  

• Recording devices are prohibited in accordance with district policy.

President - Rachel van Dinkel

VP 1 - Tisha Richard

VP 2 - Melissa Laseck

Treasurer - Anne Rasmussen

Secretary - Brandi Lavely

Hi, Wattles families!

My name is Melissa Laseck, and I am so excited to serve as one of your PTO Vice President this year! I am the proud mom of my son, Benson, who is going into 5th grade. We absolutely love being part of the Wattles community and are grateful for the friendships, memories, and experiences it has already brought to us.

You'll usually find us cheering on the Michigan Wolverines (Go Blue!), heading out on four-wheelers, going to concerts or spending time with family and friends. No matter what we're doing, we love making memories together.

Being involved at Wattles has been such a rewarding experience, and I'm excited for the opportunity to give back to a school that means so much to us. I can't wait to meet more of our Wattles families, support our amazing teachers and staff, and help make this a fun and memorable year for all of our students. Please don't hesitate to say hello if you see us around—we're looking forward to another great year together!

Brandi is a high school teacher (Health, PE/Swim, and Life Skills), and she moderates Senior class activities. She has a third grader at Wattles and a seventh grader at Baker. Her family loves to travel, camp, hike to waterfalls, and explore new areas. She enjoys listening to audiobooks, POUND workout classes, crafting by using her Cricut, watching her sons play baseball and hanging out with her dog, Cami.

Want to connect with other Wattles' families? See the information below for step-by-step directions.

Phone Numbers

• Attendance Line: 248-823-3401
• Main Office: 248-823-3400

School Hours

• Full Days: 8:39 AM - 3:37 AM
• Half Days: 8:39 AM - 12:29 PM (no lunch service)

School Address

3555 Ellenboro Avenue

Troy, MI 48083