C.H.S CHRONICLES

CHS Middle School Smart Start will be on Tuesday, August 19th from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Smart Start is our middle school registration day for all students and you can come anytime between 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Students will get their lockers, schedules, books, student IDs and school pictures taken. School picture information will be shared shortly.

Students and family members also have an opportunity to walk around the school and locate their lockers and classrooms.

Please note that there is not a registration make up date if you cannot attend Smart Start. You can locate your child's schedule, locker number and combination through your Skyward Family Access Account. Picture retakes will take place later in the fall and your child can pick up their books the first day of school.

LOCKER DECORATIONS

One of the best things about Smart Start is getting class schedules and finding out locker assignments. As students are getting their lockers set up and finding their classes for the first day of school, many like to personalize their locker. Some students choose to decorate with various shelving units, lights, chandeliers, and even the occasional "disco ball". These items can fun and help to personalize the space if a student chooses to do so. As the lockers have plenty of space, please keep in mind that they are lockers and not closets, so less decor may be best.

One type of decor that is NOT permitted inside or outside the locker at any time is contact paper/ wallpaper/ stickers. These items tend to be installed incorrectly causing the locking mechanisms to not work correctly and cause issues with opening and closing the locker. In addition, they are very difficult to remove at the end of year causing damage to the lockers.

Thank you for your help in making good decoration choices, if your child chooses to do so.

Online Back to School Process - Open to Families on August 1, 2025

Similar to previous years, Parents and Guardians need to complete the online back to school process through Skyward Family Access. The online back to school process requires families to verify their student/family information, update parent email addresses, complete the required district forms, apply for free and reduced lunch (if applicable), make fee/fine payments, and much more. Included in the online registration packet are very important forms and procedures. Please read the online packet very thoroughly.

• Link to Skyward Family Access
• Link to the WLCSD Back To School Hub

Parents must have their own Family Access login in order to complete the online back to school process. The online process CANNOT be completed with a Student Skyward login. If you do not have a Family Access parent login, please send an email request, as soon as possible, to familyaccess@wlcsd.org or call, 248-956-2190. Please be sure to include your name, the name of each child in the district, your email address, and a daytime phone number.

This online process opens to families on Friday, August 1, 2025 and MUST be completed prior to attending "Smart Start" on Tuesday, August 19th.

Please click on the above tab and join our CHS Middle School Remind 101 text group. You will receive helpful reminders, time sensitive information along with other pertinent texts.

*Reply @LEAVE to the number you are receiving messages from if you'd like to leave the text group at anytime.

You are invited to complete the optional form below. The information you include in this OPTIONAL form will be shared with C.H.S. Middle School Staff only. The intent of this form is to provide our families the opportunity to share some information about their child to start off the school year that we may not be aware of and that you feel is important to share.

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY NAMES (STAFF, OTHER CHILDREN, ETC.), OTHER THAN YOUR CHILD'S NAME, IN ANY OF YOUR RESPONSES.

The form will close on Friday, August 23rd and should only be completed by a child's parent or guardian.

Please also remember to contact your child's counselor for any concerns and/or questions you may have.

As we prepare for the start of the school year, we wanted to touch base with you regarding the process of administering medications to students at school.

Medications are administered at school under the supervision of our office staff. This includes BOTH prescription medications AND over the counter (ibuprofen, pain relievers, etc.) medications. BOTH types of medication require a completed and signed WLCSD medication authorization form by BOTH the parent/ guardian AND the child’s doctor.

For safety and confidentiality reasons, we will not be accepting medications at Smart Start. If you would like to drop off medications and the required documentation prior to the start of the school year, please contact our office secretary, Mrs. Tonya Gray, directly at 248-956-3512.

As you have questions about this process please contact our main office at 248.956.3500.

You are invited to complete the optional form below. The information you include in this OPTIONAL form will be shared with C.H.S. Middle School Staff only. The intent of this form is to provide our families the opportunity to share some information about their child to start off the school year that we may not be aware of and that you feel is important to share.

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY NAMES (STAFF, OTHER CHILDREN, ETC.), OTHER THAN YOUR CHILD'S NAME, IN ANY OF YOUR RESPONSES.

The form will close on Friday, August 23rd and should only be completed by a child's parent or guardian.

Please also remember to contact your child's counselor for any concerns and/or questions you may have.

Over the summer our cross country coaches like to start checking out the interest of team members for the fall and schedule some group runs over the summer.

If your child is interested in joining the cross country running team this fall, please complete the Google Form link below. In the Google form, there is more information and coaches contact information. Signing up gets you and your child on the information list as well.

https://forms.gle/5aDTdUdE6o1GNBrV8

Please contact coach Alex Rickens AlexRickens@wlcsd.org with any questions.

Thanks,

Dan Holland

If your child will be absent, please call the Smart Attendance Hotline (248) 956-3510 as soon as possible. If you know of a vacation or pre planned days off, you can leave those dates on the hotline as well.

If you have not called your child in by 9:30 a.m., you will receive a call from Mrs. Jennifer Schloegl to verify that your student is not at school for the day. Thank you for partnering with us in keeping your children safe and accounted for.

Student transportation information for the 2025-2026 school year will be available beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday August 15th.

Please check Skyward Family Access for your students bus route information. Student enrollments will continue through the start of the school year and bus information may change. Please continue to monitor Skyward Family Access for the most up to date information.

A reminder that bus passes are not allowed.

Please remember to please call 248.956.3090 for ALL bussing questions. Please click on the link below to visit our transportation website for more information.

Dear 8th Grade Parents,

Our Annual 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip is scheduled for June 1st-4th. Additional information will be provided in August and you are also invited to attend our Washington D.C. Trip Parent Meeting immediately following Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 16th.

Assistant Principal Mr. Dan Holland and Secretary Tonya Gray will not be returning to CHS Middle School this upcoming school year.

They will be missed but we wish them the very best moving forward!

My name is Jennifer Daddow, and I am truly honored to join the Clifford Smart community. Throughout my career, I have had the joy of working with students from preschool through high school as an English teacher, special education teacher, and school administrator. These experiences have shaped my passion for creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels welcomed, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. I also have a strong background in virtual education and enjoy using creative technology tools to make learning meaningful and engaging for all students. I deeply believe that strong partnerships between families, staff, and the school community are key to helping students thrive.

In March 2025, my husband and I welcomed our baby boy, and becoming a parent has given me an even deeper appreciation for the importance of connection and care in a child’s life. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends, reading, gardening, traveling, exercising, and enjoying the outdoors. I’m also committed to lifelong learning and finding new ways to grow as an educator and leader. I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to make this school year a meaningful and successful journey for our students.

My name is Logan Meyer and I student taught at Geisler Middle School last school year. I also coached the Geisler 7th grade boys and 8th grade girls basketball teams. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University and am also a graduate of Walled Lake Schools. Both of my parents are retired Walled Lake Middle School Teachers as well. I look forward to meeting and working with everyone at CHS Middle School!

Hello! My name is Renee Wattenberg, and I’m thrilled to join Clifford Smart Middle School. I bring 17 years of teaching experience, including 11 years in special education. I earned my credentials at Eastern Michigan University and Oakland University. I’m passionate about helping students succeed and fostering a positive classroom environment. Outside of school, I enjoy geocaching, traveling, hiking and spending time with my family. I’m excited to begin my new adventure with the Clifford Smart community!

I've worked in both the non-profit and corporate sectors, focusing on fundraising, community outreach, and recruiting since 2008. I spent the last year working as the Counseling Secretary at Geisler Middle School. I have a BA in Communications from Oakland University and an MA in Human Resources from Central Michigan University. I will be attending the University of Michigan-Flint in the fall of 2025 to pursue my Master's degree in Secondary Education with Teaching Certification. I'm married to Andrew, and have a son, James, who will attend Dublin Elementary. I'm an avid reader and crafter and look forward to joining the CHS Middle School Community!

My name is Evan Burke. I am excited to be a part of the Clifford Smart community starting this year. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2024 and just finished my student teaching at North Farmington High School. I have a degree in History Education, with additional endorsements in Social Studies and Psychology. I hope that my classroom is a safe location for students to learn, as well as have fun. When possible, I try to have students lead their learning with games and activities that relate to relevant material, as well as their interests. Beyond the classroom, I hope to be involved in coaching various sports, as well as helping with different clubs.

Outside of school, I try to keep myself busy. One of my biggest projects is planning for my wedding, coming up in June of 2026. On weeknights, I will typically be found in Detroit playing for my recreational soccer team or helping out with my old Boy Scout Troop, 263. My weekends are usually spent either camping, visiting with family, or going on runs with friends. If I find myself with free time, I enjoy reading murder mystery books. I am currently trying to get through all of Agatha Christie’s novels. I am looking forward to the start of the school year and meeting everyone!

I would like to also welcome the following new staff members to CHS Middle School:

Jennifer Schloegl, Main Office Secretary

Rachelle Bustillo, Lunchroom Paraeducator

Elizza Sharp, Special Education Support Paraeducator

Diana Sharmazanov, Special Education Support Paraeducator

Please feel free to call our main office with any questions at 248.956.3500. You can also email us.

Counseling Secretary: JulieSmith@wlcsd.org

Principal's Secretary: MelissaWilseck@wlcsd.org

Building/Attendance Secretary: JenniferSchloegl@wlcsd.org

6th Grade Counselor: KathleenHoover@wlcsd.org

7th Grade Counselor: MaureenBratke@wlcsd.org

8th Grade Counselor: JulieBraley@wlcsd.org

DROP OFF 8:00 A.M.

SCHOOL STARTS 8:10 A.M.

DISMISSAL 3:00 P.M.

1/2 DAY DISMISSAL 11:40 A.M.

Nayal Maktari, Principal

TBD, Assistant Principal

Steve Spickard, Dean of Students

Please contact us with positive or constructive feedback, questions, and/or concerns.

Website: www.wlcsd.org/smart
Location: 8500 Commerce Road, Commerce Charter Township, MI, United States
Phone: 248-956-3500
Twitter: @CliffordSmart