Wattles Gazette 10.19.26

Dear Wildcat Families,

As we continue through the school year, I would like to take a moment to address a growing concern regarding student absences. We have noticed an increase in the number of students missing school, and we want to remind our families of the importance of regular school attendance.

Every school day matters! When students are present at school, they have the opportunity to learn new skills, participate in classroom activities, build relationships with their peers, and receive the support they need from their teachers. Even a few days of missed instruction can make it challenging for students to keep up with lessons, complete assignments, and feel confident in their learning.

We understand that there are times when absences are unavoidable, especially when students are ill or dealing with family emergencies. However, we encourage families to make every effort to ensure that students attend school regularly and arrive on time. Establishing consistent attendance habits helps children develop responsibility, build confidence, and create a strong foundation for future success.

Parents and guardians play an important role in promoting good attendance. Please help your child develop a consistent morning routine, ensure that they get enough rest, and schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. If your child is experiencing challenges that make attending school difficult, please reach out to us. We are here to work together with you to identify solutions and provide support.

Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. When students are at school, they are better positioned to reach their full potential. Let us work together to make regular attendance a priority and remind our children that their presence truly matters.

Thank you for your continued partnership, cooperation, and support. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our students, one school day at a time.

With Wildcat pride,
Amy Wallace
Principal

A big thank-you to all the wonderful volunteers who gave their time, energy, and support to help make our fall fundraiser a success! Your generosity and dedication are truly appreciated, and we couldn’t do it without you.

A special and heartfelt thank-you to Mrs. Tisha Richard for all her hard work in planning and organizing the event. Her time, effort, and dedication helped make this fundraiser possible, and we are so grateful for everything she did!

For anyone who would still like to contribute, donations will be accepted through October 23. Every contribution makes a difference, and we are grateful for your continued support.

Thank you again to all our volunteers, Mrs. Richard, and everyone who helped make our fall fundraiser a success!

There's still time to order bagels for your Wildcat! Place your order today so your student doesn't miss out on the fun!

Registration is now open for Family Game Night on Thursday, October 22, from 6:00–7:00 PM at Wattles Elementary!

Wattles students in grades K-5 are welcome to join us for an evening of laughter, connection, and friendly competition! Families will enjoy a variety of fun games while spending time together and connecting with other members of our Wattles community.

We would LOVE to see all of our Wildcats there! 💙🐾 Be sure to register your student(s) and join us for a fun night together!

Our Wildcats are very excited for a spooktacular celebration on October 29! ALL parents need to enter through the front doors of the building and wait in the vestibule. Parents attending the K-2 celebration will be admitted into the building (not through the office) beginning at 9:30 AM for the parade beginning at 9:45 AM and parents attending the 3-5 celebration can enter at 1:45 PM for the parade beginning at 2:00 PM.

Tables will be set up by grade level for check-in and for you to receive a visitor badge. Once checked in, you will head down the receiving (custodial) hallway and outside onto the playground to watch the parade.

When the parade is over, you'll head back through the receiving doors and to your child(ren)'s class. Look for signage in the front hallway for reminders. Parents will not be admitted into classrooms through the exterior classroom doors. This will help keep our students safe while parading and parents with a clear view. :)

Students are not permitted to wear costumes that are ghoulish, morbid, or in any way offensive to ethnic groups. Toy guns, knives, or other weapons as part of costumes may not be worn or brought to school. In addition, please be mindful that we have little ones in our building. Therefore, costumes should not be excessively frightening. Please label all parts of your child's costume to avoid lost pieces.

If you are attending parties in grades 3-5, and wish to take your child home early, please check out with your child's teacher. If you have a child in grades K-2, and wish to take him/her home early as well, please check out in the office. Do not get your K-2 student out of class without going through the office. Our littles will be learning in the afternoon. The parking lot needs to be cleared for our buses and typical parent pick-up by 3:15 PM.

Our Wildcats have been working hard in music, and we can’t wait for families to see—and hear—what they’ve been learning! 🎶 Music concerts are coming up throughout the school year, giving our students a special opportunity to share their talents and hard work. See below for upcoming concerts!

Check out the TSD Inclusive Newsletter!

Each year, the Troy School District offers an opportunity for parents/guardians to purchase iPad insurance for students in grades 4 and 5. The cost is $25 not to exceed $100 per family.

President - Rachel van Dinkel

VP 1 - Tisha Richard

VP 2 - Heather Hadley

Treasurer - Anne Rasmussen

Secretary - Brandi Lavely

You asked, we listened! Introducing our brand new WhatsApp Community for Wattles families! Click here to receive regular updates, connect with other families, and even keep an eye on the Lost & Found! This community supplements our other existing communications channels.

We've created subgroups per grade level as well as some other key points of interest. This is a great way to do quick check ins with other families like "is bus 51 running late today?" or "did anyone else get a handout about the field trip next week? I can't find ours!"

See you there!

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