Woods Lake Family Weekly

Dear Woods Lake Families,

We hope this message finds you well and enjoying the beautiful weather! It is always a pleasure to connect with you and share the wonderful happenings at our school.

Important Announcements

Count Day

Date: This Wednesday, October 1st.

• • Attendance Matters: Please ensure that all students who are able to attend are present. If your child cannot attend, please email us so if it falls under our excused absence categories we can mark it excuses.

  Attendance Reminder

  • Chronic Absenteeism: Letters will be sent out in the next few weeks or so, for those showing up as at risk to be considered Chronically Absent. It is vital for students' learning to limit absences when possible. Remember, the state says students who miss a total of 18 absences in a school year or more, are considered chronically absent and at risk to fall under truancy. Chronic Absenteeism, as laid out by the state, counts unexcused and excused absences. If your child is sick, please email our attendance secretary, Mrs. Davis at davissj@kalamazoopublicschools.net , and your child's teacher to excuse their absences.

  Picture Day

• Date: This Wednesday, October 1st
• It is essential for your child to be present at school on this day to ensure that their picture is taken. The picture day schedule is right below in the newsletter for each class.

Celebrations from the Week

Hello Woods Lake Families!

We had another successful week of school. It was delightful to enjoy some sunshine and warmth last week, and we plan to continue enjoying the lovely weather ahead.

• Student Assessments:

  • Our teachers have completed the majority of our student assessments. If your child has been absent, we will ensure they are tested soon to meet their academic needs effectively.

• PTO Fundraisers:

  • Our PTO successfully completed several fundraisers, including the Fall Mum Sale, Spiritwear Pop-Up Shop, and our Popcorn and Pickle Sales.
  • We were informed that a few students did not receive their popcorn or pickles; rest assured, we will ensure they receive these early this week.

A heartfelt thank you to our parents involved in the PTO; we truly appreciate your support and dedication!

Additional Information

As we move further into the school year, we encourage you to stay engaged with your child's learning. Communication is key, and we are here to support both you and your children. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

We are grateful for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can create a nurturing and enriching environment for our students.

Thank you for being an essential part of our Woods Lake community! We look forward to collaborating with you in the weeks ahead.

Warm regards,

Your Interim Principal,

Ms. Prather

prathersm@kalamazoopublicschools.net

269-337-0790

Woods Lake Wolverines has created a team for our school (Click on the button below to see our team website page). We would like to support our amazing community partnership, Communities In School to help ALL of our students throughout Kalamazoo. We need your support. Staff and students will walk for donations ( one time donations or monetary amount per mile).

This is the first time that Woods Lake has signed up for this fundraiser, and we want to make a BIG impact by showing the amazing support we get from our families.

Take a look at the upcoming event that will be a great way to start and support your child with raising money below. Also stay tuned becasue Woods Lake would like to plan an event where students and families can have the oppotunity add more miles in support of Communities In Schools.

There will be class celebrations for the top lower elementary classroom (kindergarten through 2nd grade) and the top upper elementary classroom (third through fifith grade) with the most donated for this fundraiser!

Upcoming events

As part of Walking With Purpose, we have a few additional events planned. Check them out.

Kickoff Walk at Woodward School

Help us start the month strong by walking a mile to add to our 12,000 October goal! Bring friends, family, and colleagues and count their miles too!

October 1st, 2025
5 p.m. — 6 p.m.
606 Stuart Ave, Kalamazoo, MI

Cider and Scenery at Consumers Credit Union Corporate Headquarters

Our take on wine and canvas, Cider and Scenery celebrates the best of fall with beautiful scenes, autumn treats, and fun with friends in the crisp fall air.

October 23rd, 2025
5 p.m. — 6:30 p.m. (guided painting starts at 5:30 p.m.)
7200 Elm Valley Drive, Kalamazoo MI

Get your tickets today!

Kids in Tune afterschool program at Woods Lakewill start on September 29th. We will be holding program on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays again this year. Families have already been contacted and provided information last Friday.

• No cellphones, smartwatches, or personal electronic devices visible on school grounds (including buses) during school hours.
• No hats
• No hoods
• Pants must be worn on the waist, and should not fall below the waistline.
• Shorts and skirts must come to an appropriate length to cover your child's body.
• Shirts must cover abdomen and chest area
• Physical Agression/Fighting on school grounds or a KPS bus will result in a suspension and a "Return to Learn" meeting before your student may return to school.

Please read and review the KPS student code of conduct for a full list of KPS conduct expectations before your student attends school.

We still need forms for 106 of our students. Please make sure that you have completed the form, and returned it to us as soon as possible. Thank you so much.

Thank you for your attention to our dismissal procedures. To make changes to your child(ren)'s regular dismissal plan, please call the front office to inform the secretaries before 3 PM. We cannot authorize a different bus change on the same day; any changes must be approved by the KPS Transportation Department first.

If you would like to pick up your child, who typically rides the bus, please ensure you call our front office before 3 PM.

Office will shut down from 3:30 PM until last bus leaves the school. This means that phone calls will not be accepted, and doors will be locked until our dismissal procedures are completed. Our goal is to give all of our staff the time to ensure that all of our students are getting home safely.

The office will open up as soon as dismissal has ended until 4:30 PM. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

10/1: Picture Day and Count Day, Walking with Purpose Fundraiser Kickoff @ Woodward Elementary 5-6 PM

10/3 : Hispanic Heritage Celebration

10/3-10/7: Spirit Wear Orders to be delivered

10/8: First Graders visit the Public Library 9:30 and 10:30 AM, Hat Day Fundraiser (bring $1 to wear a hat at school)

10/6-10/10: Spirit Wear Orders to be picked up (TBA)

10/17: Popcorn and Pickle Sale ($1 each)

10/18: Hat Day Fundraiser (bring $1 to wear a hat at school)

10/29: 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat, 2-3 PM

10/30: Kindergarten visits the Mobile Library 9:30-10:30 AM

Email: prathersm@kalamazoopublicschools.net
Website: https://woodslake.kalamazoopublicschools.com/
Location: 3215 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone: (269) 337-0790
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WoodsLakeElementary/