Warrior Wire
Walled Lake Western High School Parent/Family Newsletter
January 9, 2026
As we kick off a brand new year at Western, there’s a fresh sense of energy and possibility throughout our school community. January is a natural reset, a chance for students to set new goals, build positive momentum, and lean into the opportunities ahead.
We’re also focused on finishing the current semester strong. Your support, encouragement, and partnership at home make all the difference as students wrap up coursework and prepare for what’s next.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping make Western such a special place for our students. Here’s to a great start to 2026 and a strong finish to the semester. Go Warriors!
Save the Date
*January 14, 15, 16 - Semester 1 EXAMS, 10:45 a.m. Dismissal
*January 19 - No School, MLK Day
*January 19 - MLK Celebration, 5:30 p.m., WL Northern
*January 20 - Start of Semester 2
*January 26 - Report Cards Visible in Skyward
*January 28 - Curriculum Fair & Senior Class Meeting (during school day)
*January 28 - 1/2 Day, 10:45 a.m. Dismissal
End-of-Semester
As we approach the conclusion of the semester, we would like to emphasize the importance of students being in school, on time, and prepared every day. This is a critical time for completing assignments, preparing for exams, and finishing strong.
- We kindly ask that families avoid signing students out of school in the middle of exams, as this can disrupt the learning environment for others. Please arrange and early pick-ups prior to exams.
- Students and families should be regularly checking Skyward to stay informed about grades and missing assignments. Open communication with teachers is vital during this time, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
- Students should check Skyward on Monday, January 19th for Semester 2 schedules. While we strive to minimize schedule changes, there may still be adjustments to classes. Staying informed will help ensure a smooth start to the new semester.
WLW UPDATED Attendance Policy - Beginning Semester 2
Did you know that missing more than 9 days in a semester is considered chronically absent? In recent years, about 35% of WLW students have met that threshold. Research is clear—regardless of the reason for the absence, every day of instruction matters for academic success and connection to school.
The Walled Lake Consolidated School District (WLCSD) believes that consistent, daily attendance is essential for student success. Students must be present and engaged to benefit from direct instruction, build academic skills, and develop habits needed for success in college, career, and life.
This policy is designed to:
Foster responsibility and reliability
Support positive attendance habits
Ensure consistent communication between the school and the home
Improve student engagement and achievement
PTSA Reflections 2025-2026 School Winners
Congratulations to the following WLW PTSA Reflections School Winners:
Film Production: Dareen Daddoo, Destiny Enyioko, Yasmine Hamad, Layla Schoder
Literature: Mayuri Rahulan
Photography: Isabella Overby, Rayhona Makhmudjanova, Donovan Bryan, Isabella Newberry
Visual Arts: Nina Price
MLK District-Wide Food Drive
ALL SPECTATORS CAN GET ENTRY FOR FREE WITH THE DONATION OF TWO ITEMS TO ALL WLCSD HS BASKETBALL GAMES THROUGH WEDNESDAY 1/14
Schedule Changes: Counselors will be working to adjust second semester schedules as quickly as possible with priority given to changes needed for graduation. All schedule changes will require a signed form and must be approved. Counselors will not be making changes for teacher preferences, lunch, hour in the day etc. Please make sure to have your students check their schedules in Skyward prior to the start of second semester.
Seniors: The FAFSA is currently open and ALL families should be completing the FAFSA if they are planning on attending any type of formal training after high school. The FAFSA is the key to receiving scholarships and funding through the State of Michigan and other programs. See your counselor with any questions.
Senior Scene
Senior year is full of exciting and important events. Please refer to the SENIOR CLASS page on our website for all things senior year related. It will be updated throughout the year.
Save the Date:
May 14 - Senior Department Awards & Honors (by invitation)
May 18, 20 & 21 - Senior Exams
May 22 - Seniors' Last Day
May 22 - Prom @ Masonic Temple in Detroit
May 29 - All-Night Party @ On the Dunes 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
May 31 - Graduation at EMU 3:30 p.m.
The SECOND SEMESTER SENIOR EXAM INCENTIVE will begin on January 21st. Please read THIS DOCUMENT for more information.
Have you ordered your Cap & Gown yet? If not, please do so today! Place your order with a deposit or pay in full.
Michigan Construction Career Days
Western is PEANUT-FREE
Walled Lake Western is a Peanut-Free School. Please do NOT bring any products containing peanuts into the building.
Thank you for your help in keeping all Warriors safe!
Adult Education - GED / ESL
After School Tutoring
Vaping Awareness Info for Families
The Walled Lake Consolidated School District is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our students and families. To help address concerns about vaping, we are sharing valuable resources that provide information on the risks of vaping and strategies for prevention. These tools are designed to empower families with knowledge and support meaningful conversations at home. Together, we can help every child make healthy choices every day.
- E-cigarettes and Vaping: What Parents Should Know - American Lung Association
- E-cigarettes and Youth: What Parents Need to Know - Centers for Disease Control
E-cigarettes/Vaping Facts - Oakland County Health Department
Seniors Ads in the Yearbook
Walled Lake Western High School
https://western.wlcsd.org/Instagram @WLWarriortribe
Attendance - 248.956.4600
Counseling - 248.956.4440