C.H.S CHRONICLES

Dear CHS Families,

I hope this message finds you well and and that you are enjoying the final days of summer. As we prepare to begin a brand new school year, I want to take a moment to share just how excited I and all of our staff are to welcome our children back to school on Monday!

There is an energy in the building that only grows stronger as we get closer to the first day. Our staff have been working hard to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment for every student. We looking forward to a fantastic year full of growth, discovery, and success.

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. We can’t wait to see our hallways full of energy and smiling faces again on Monday morning!

Please take a moment to review your child’s schedule on Skyward on Sunday, August 24th as changes may have taken place. Just a reminder, requests for teacher changes and hour changes will NOT be honored.

Encore schedule requests for semester one should be submitted by Thursday 8/28. This is for 7th and 8th grade students only. All 6th grade schedules have been finalized.

Thank you.

Dear Parents.

If you haven't already filled out the new Chromebook device paperwork, please do so here https://app.informedk12.com/link_campaigns/chromebook-device-agreement?token=QyMwthC1mpJ761Rqg3jvZUu6

If you haven't already paid for the new Chromebook device, please pay through Skyward/ EFunds: https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/55905 or send cash or check with your student to Mrs. Wilseck in the office.

Chromebooks that have not been picked up or missing documents/payment will be distributed at a later date.

Thank you.

We can expect our car pick up and drop off lines to run a little slower the first few weeks of school. Thank you in advance for your patience as our children and drivers get acclimated to the process.

I strongly encourage parents to have their children, if eligible, ride the school bus to and from school.

Another great tip would be not to arrive early and wait in the car line but to instead wait till after 3:10 p.m. and to pull into our bus loop for pick up only. Please do not attempt to enter the bus loop prior to 3:10 p.m.

PROGRAM: Coming this September is an opportunity for 7th grade students to apply to attend the Religious Diversity Journeys Program.

WHAT IS IT? Students and chaperones travel through the tri-county area to learn about the world cultures they study in 7th grade Social Studies this school year. The Journeys are 6 field trips over several months for first-person learning of different cultures and faith traditions.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN THIS PROGRAM? We travel for six field trips during the school day to 5 places of worship and the Holocaust Memorial to explore Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism and Hinduism. This Program offers a chance to meet people and learn about the values and traditions we all share, regardless of different faiths or cultural traditions.

WHAT WILL I SEE ON A FIELD TRIP? This exploration includes experiencing culture, food, music, writing, service projects and meeting other students from multiple districts to discuss, learn and grow together.

WHO CAN APPLY? All 7th grade students are welcome to apply for one of the 25 spots available in the Program. So you and your friends can apply and travel to learn together.

HOW DO I APPLY? Applications and more information will be available in September.

Click on the video below to see some highlights of the Journeys and hear about the experience.

Contact Mrs. Tina Tranchida-- C.H. Smart Sponsor—with any questions. TinaTranchida@wlcsd.org

PERFORMANCES

December 4th and 5th at 7:00 p.m.

December 6th at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

All 6th, 7th & 8th graders are invited to participate!

Cast: We need you if you like to act, sing and dance or want to learn with friends.

Stage Crew: We need you if you like to build, paint, sew and gather costumes, create and gather props, run lights and sound, design, work behind stage, apply stage makeup, organize and work on a production team. Don't know how? No problem! We will teach you.

AUDITION INFORMATION and CAST & CREW FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER.

Check the Google Classroom--code zjbxzwy4 for new information, listen to the morning announcements or watch for information posted in the cafeteria and outside of room 312!

See Mrs. Tranchida with questions in room 312 OR contact her at TinaTranchida@wlcsd.org

Melissa Parks is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s Instrumental Music Education program. She worked in the Wayne-Westland School District teaching beginning band before moving to Brighton to teach middle school band and orchestra. Melissa is thrilled to work with the orchestra students of Smart Middle School!

I'm very excited to join the CHS staff! Last fall I did my student teaching at Sarah Banks and graduated from EMU. Following that, I did some daily subbing around Walled Lake before joining Geisler as a PBS. I've played soccer my whole life and still do that in the Summer and Winter. In my free time I usually just hang out with my friends, walk my three pugs, or go to the movies. I can't wait to get started!

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) opened the nomination period for the 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year this past spring. The nomination window remains open until Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MDE welcomes nominations from students, parents/guardians, coworkers, and school community members. Individuals wishing to nominate a teacher for this recognition are asked to complete the online form.

District newsletters and social media serve as valuable channels to share the online form, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of dedicated educators in your district. We encourage districts to consider including the nomination information provided (below the closing) in communications.

MDE recognizes some districts and intermediate school districts have established processes to award local teachers of the year. If so, your designated district representatives may email teacher nominations directly to MTOY@Michigan.gov. Please include the teacher’s name, personnel identification code (PIC), email address, and school in which they are employed. An email verifying receipt will be sent within 48 hours. Nominations from districts will be accepted until September 24, 2025.

More information about the program is available on the Michigan Teacher of the Year webpage. Please contact the Office of Educator Excellence at MTOY@Michigan.gov with any questions regarding the program or nomination process. We genuinely appreciate your assistance in sharing this information with your district.

Respectfully,

Michigan Teacher of the Year Team

● All students trying out must have a current physical on file with the school, dated after April 15th

● There will be 2 teams: One all 8th grade, and a 7th grade team, which is open to 6th graders.

● TRYOUT DATES (all tryouts will be from 3:00-5:00)

· Monday, August 25th: ALL GRADES

· Tuesday, August 26th: 6th and 7th ONLY

· Wednesday, August 27th: 8th grade ONLY

· Thursday, August 28th: ALL GRADES

· All players will be given a letter at the end of practice stating if they made the team.

● Questions

· Amy Monroe 7th grade coach (amymonroe@WLCSD.org)

· Amanda Pollack 8th grade coach (AmandaPollock@wlcsd.org)

We are looking forward to a great volleyball season.

GO TROJANS!

Coach Monroe and Coach Pollock

Our students’ safety is of primary importance to us. The Walled Lake School District uses a video entry system at every school. During school hours, all visitors must enter through the Main Entry and use the video system by pressing the button and stating their name and purpose. Once verified, you will be admitted into a secure vestibule. Please do not attempt to enter through any other doors. We ask for your patience, as our office staff may be busy, and there could be a brief delay at certain times of the day.

For the security of our students and staff, all entrances are locked once the school day begins. Please do not ask a staff member or student to let you in through any door, and do not hold the door for another adult approaching the building. All visitors must be admitted individually through the front entrance by office staff. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone in our school community.

Thank you for your support and help in keeping our school community safe!

Dear Parents,

As we begin the new school year, we want to make families and students aware of a a new school practice regarding outside beverages.

Students may not bring flavored drinks or iced coffees from places like Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or similar establishments into school beyond the CHS Main Lobby or Learning Commons Entrance. These beverages should either be finished before entering the building or left/discarded before entering our halls from the main lobby or learning commons entrance. We also please ask families to not drop off flavored drinks or iced coffees to school for students outside of their assigned lunch times.

Last school year, we experienced a high number of spills in classrooms and hallways, as well as drinks being thrown away—often still full—in classroom and hallway trash cans. These situations create messes, distractions, and additional cleanup that takes time away from learning.

Students are still allowed to bring sealed drinks for lunch, but they cannot leave the lunchroom with their drink.

Please note that this school practice does not pertain to water. Water is encouraged and allowed in classrooms, hallways, and lunchrooms.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a clean and focused school environment. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Orchestra Teacher Jennifer Boutin will be not be at CHS to start off the school year, but we are fortunate to have Melissa Parks as our long term substitute teacher while she is out.

You can contact Mrs. Melissa Parks at MelissaParks@wlcsd.org.

Dear Parents,

This message is for parents who will have children in 6th grade orchestra this year. You may delete this message if your child will not be taking orchestra.

Welcome to the orchestra program at Clifford Smart Middle School! We are thrilled that your child will be joining us on an exciting musical journey as they learn to play an instrument. We look forward to getting to know your child and can’t wait to see the amazing things they will accomplish! Before the school year begins, it is important to ensure that each student has an instrument and all necessary equipment for 6th grade orchestra.

Instrument rentals – best to reserve by August 18:

Walled Lake partners with Shar Music as our school service provider and we recommend their rent-to-own program for your child’s instrument. This program includes free maintenance, repair, and insurance, along with the supplies needed to start the year. A Shar Music representative visits Walled Lake Schools once a week for all service needs. Complete your rental agreement online at https://www.sharmusic.com/pages/instrument-rentals by August 18th to ensure your child’s instrument is delivered to Smart MS before the first day of school.

Sizing:
During the online rental process, there will be information about sizing, in order to acquire the correct size instrument. The average sizes are as follows, although your child may be one size different depending on how tall they are and how long their arms are:

Violins: ¾ and 4/4 sizes are most common for 6th graders
Violas: 14” (13” for smaller students) - nothing above a 14” is generally necessary
Cellos: ½ size is most common, ¾ for taller students

Basses: ¼ size is most common for 6th graders

Information for families who are not renting:

If you are not renting from Shar Music, you will need to purchase the required accessory accessories. All orchestra students need the following in addition to an instrument and bow:

• Clip-on Tuner

• Rosin

• Shoulder Rest (For Violins and Violas)

• Rock Stop (For Cellos and Basses)

• Folding Music Stand

• Pinky-hold for Violins and Violas

If you plan to purchase an instrument instead of renting, please contact Ms. Williams at laurenwilliams@wlcsd.org

A limited number of school-owned instruments are available to loan to families who are experiencing financial hardship. To request one, please contact Ms. Williams at laurenwilliams@wlcsd.org

Shar Music will be able to answer your rental questions, but we are happy to answer any other questions you may have about 6th grade orchestra. Please feel free to contact us via email.

We look forward to meeting your child on the first day of school!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Boutin and Ms. Williams

Dear Walled Lake Families,

We want to provide you with an important update regarding school meals and the State School Aid budget.

While the 2025-26 State School Aid budget has not yet been finalized by the Michigan Legislature, we do know that the current 2024-25 budget remains in effect through September 30, 2025. This means the Michigan School Meals program will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch for all students through the month of September.

However, there is still uncertainty beyond that date. One of the key differences between the House and Senate versions of the proposed budget is funding for the Michigan Free School Meals program. If state funding is not extended, families who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals under federal guidelines may be required to pay for meals again starting October 1, 2025.

What families can do now:

To help us prepare and support all students regardless of funding outcomes, we strongly encourage families to complete the Child Nutrition and Education Benefits Application in Skyward Family Access during online registration. This form:

• Helps secure important state and federal funding for our schools
• Supports educational programs
• Ensures meal benefits continue for eligible families
• May provide access to additional benefits like reduced testing and college application fees, discounted internet, and more

We are closely monitoring developments and will keep you informed as updates become available.

Thank you for your continued support of Walled Lake Schools.

—

Walled Lake Schools Food Service Department

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the band program at Clifford Smart Middle School! We are thrilled that your child will be joining us on an exciting musical journey as they learn to play an instrument. We look forward to getting to know your child and can’t wait to see the amazing things they will accomplish!

Before the school year begins, it is important to ensure that each student has an instrument and all necessary equipment for 6th grade band.

Instrument rentals – reserve by August 12:

Walled Lake partners with Marshall Music as our school service provider and we recommend their rent-to-own program for your child’s instrument. This program includes free maintenance, repair, and insurance, along with the supplies needed to start the year. A Marshall Music representative visits Walled Lake Schools twice a week for all service needs. Complete your rental agreement online at marshallmusic.com/rentals by August 12th to ensure your child’s instrument is delivered to Smart MS before the first day of school. Please note, for clarinet rentals, there is a specific link for CHS families.

Information for families who are not renting:
If you are not renting from Marshall Music, you will need to purchase the required accessory package for your child’s instrument. Click the appropriate link below to purchase the accessory package:

Flute Accessory Package (non-rental)

Clarinet Accessory Package (non-rental)

Trumpet Accessory Package (non-rental)

Trombone Accessory Package (non-rental)

If you plan to purchase an instrument instead of renting, please contact Mr. York at michaelyork@wlcsd.org.

A limited number of school-owned instruments are available to loan to families who are experiencing financial hardship. To request one, please contact Mr. York at michaelyork@wlcsd.org

Marshall Music will be able to answer your rental questions, but we are happy to answer any other questions you may have about 6th grade band. Please feel free to contact us via email.

We look forward to meeting your child on the first day of school!

Sincerely,

Mr. York – 6th Grade Trumpet & Trombone michaelyork@wlcsd.org

Mr. Abbott – 6th Grade Flute & Clarinet davidabbott@wlcsd.org

Our girls volleyball try outs start the first day of school, August 25th. Please complete the Google Form below to sign up if you are child is interested in trying out for volleyball.

In the form you will see try out times and dates and coach information.

Volleyball Sign Up Google Form: Click HERE

As you prepare for try outs, a couple of reminders:

1. Students must have completed MHSAA physical form on file no later than the first day of try outs. They can be turned in at Smart Start or on the first day of school. Please CLICK HERE for a copy of the MHSAA medical form to be completed by you and your child's doctor. Physicals must be dated AFTER April 16, 2025 to be valid for this school year.
2. Volleyball is a pay to participate sport. Once a student makes the team the pay to participate fee must be paid prior to the first game. Please CLICK HERE for pay to participate fee costs and information.
3. We have two teams. 6th and 7th grade try out for one team and 8th grade on the other team.

I am excited to announce that WLN High School Teacher Amanda Pollock AmandaPollock@wlcsd.org will be our 8th grade coach this season.

As you have questions, please contact our 6th/7th grade coach – Amy Monroe AmyMonroe@wlcsd.org.

Thank you,

Dan Holland

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.

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.

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.

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

Stuart Riley, Interim 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