Walled Lake Consolidated School District Update: March 14, 2024
Important Reminders for Families
- March 18-22: WLCSD Inclusion Week
- March 18: PTSA Council Meeting 5:30 p.m. WL Western High School
- March 18: PTSA Reflections Celebration, 6:30 p.m. at WL Western High School
- March 20: Rescheduled WLC 8th Grade Parent Night at WL Central High School
- March 23: Passion for Life 5K and 5 Mile Run
- March 25-29: Spring Break - No School for Students/Staff
Visit www.wlcsd.org/calendar for a complete list of events with details.
The Hospitality House Food Pantry honored Walled Lake Consolidated Schools with the inaugural Community Partner Award at its Taste of the Spring event on March 6.
The Community Partner Award is dedicated to honoring outstanding groups or organizations that have demonstrated steadfast support of Hospitality House Food Pantry in addressing food insecurity.
“This award is in recognition of the many years of invaluable contributions made by the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in the ongoing battle against hunger,” said Susan Erspamer, Hospitality House Food Pantry executive director. “This recognition celebrates our partnership but also serves as a testimony to the collective dedication of Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and the community towards fostering a hunger-free environment.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Hospitality House Food Pantry for honoring our district with the Community Partner Award,” said Dr. John Bernia, Superintendent of Schools. “Through volunteerism, donations, and fundraising efforts, our schools are committed to the vital mission of the food pantry.”
District receives consecutive 20th Meritorious Budget Award
The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) recently recognized Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ Business Services Department for excellence in budget presentation with the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for the 2023-24 budget year. This is the 20th consecutive year the district has been recognized with this honor.
“This prestigious recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency in our District. We are immensely proud to receive this honor for an astounding 20th consecutive year. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Teri Les for her years of dedicated service to the Walled Lake Consolidated School District,” said Dr. John Bernia, Superintendent of Schools. “I also want to express my appreciation to Julie Omer for her diligent efforts and meticulous attention to detail. The expertise of our business office ensures that our district continues to be exemplary financial stewards of our community resources.”
The Walled Lake Central and Western Model United Nations Clubs rose to the occasion competing and achieving at the highest level this past week during the Mid-American Model United Nations Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Warriors competed as delegates from Canada, Ecuador and New Zealand against more than 30 other schools and over 600 students. Walled Lake Western took home second place overall as Most Prepared School and earned Highest Honors overall in General Assembly as delegates from Canada, which was made up of Lauren Filey, Trianna Krupp, Manjari Bhat, Sara Mala and Sarah Palushi.
Four Warriors also earned themselves individual awards; Bhat received Second Honors representing Canada in the Science and Technology Committee, Mala earned Second Honors representing Canada in the Special Politics Committee, Daniel Raskin took home Second Honors with the Best Position Paper, and Bryce Zachariah won Second Honors representing Ecuador in the Security Council.
Walled Lake Central competed as delegates from Ethiopia, Guatemala and the Philippines against more than 30 other schools and over 600 students. Walled Lake Central received Second Highest Honors in General Assembly as delegates from Guatemala, which was made up of Marissa Carroll, Ryo Ikeda, Sophia Muraco and Alessia Rakaj. Ikeda and Muraco were recognized with Second Highest Honors individually for their work representing Guatemala in committees as well.
Hasini Julai and Kevin Malile were also quite the dynamic duo throughout the week. Together, they earned Highest Honors in Crisis.
Walled Lake Central junior Shaylee McCain thrived on the state’s biggest stage on Saturday at the MHSAA Division 1 State Championships.
McCain dazzled on the beam putting up a season-high score of 9.2 becoming the first Walled Lake gymnast to place at the state meet since 2018. Her ninth-place finish also earned her All-State honors. She’s just the third Vikings' gymnast in program history receive that recognition. The other two are Sammi Pulgini (2013-2014) and Taylor Meredyk (2008-2010), who’s the current Walled Lake gymnastics head coach. McCain finished 17th in the All-Around improving her score by 0.6 from the state meet a year ago.
Mariam Pellerito also competed this past weekend in her first Division 2 State meet. The Walled Lake Central junior qualified with her floor routine and scored an 8.75.
Board votes to move forward with bond proposal on May 7
During the February 2 Board of Education meeting, the Board of Education voted unanimously to move forward with a $250 million bond election on May 7, 2024.
The 2024 bond proposal is focused on student safety, educational opportunities, technology, and facilities; the millage rates associated with this proposal will provide a tax decrease for residents. Over the past two decades, our community has supported bond proposals in 2019, 2013, and 2004. As a result of this past investment, the school district and our students have been able to thrive.
A list of the 2024 bond projects, by school, will be published on the District’s website, as well as the bond language, frequently asked questions, videos, and other information. To help inform our community, the District will host a series of informational bond meetings over the next several months. Meeting dates, locations, and times will also be on the bond webpage.
Diane Kindervater receives Golden Apple Award
Walled Lake Northern principal’s secretary, Diane Kindervater, received a Golden Apple Award at the March 7, 2024 Board of Education meeting.
Kindervater’s nominator wished to remain anonymous but wrote about how Kindervater works tirelessly to improve the lives of staff by going above and beyond to help them with their jobs and personal lives.
“Diane greets our community, staff, students and administrators every day with a smile and a ‘how can I help you?’” said the nominator. “She prides herself on creating a pleasant working environment every single day.”
Jenny Parker receives Golden Apple Award
Walled Lake Northern substitute teacher and cross country and track coach, Jenny Parker, received a Golden Apple Award at the March 7, 2024 Board of Education meeting.
Parker’s nominator wished to remain anonymous but wrote about how Parker is a team player who promotes and supports the abilities of every student and staff member.
“(Jenny’s) energy and positive attitude are contagious,” said the nominator. “When she is not needed as a sub during the day, Jenny goes to teachers and asks what she can do to help them.”
Staff Shout Out Nomination
In an effort to celebrate our staff, the WLCSD Community Relations department requests that families fill out the form below to nominate staff who are rock stars in their classrooms and school communities.
A sample of what these shout outs will look like on social media and in our district newsletters is on the right.
Pleasant Lake/Andy Dale Scholarship
The Pleasant Lake staff and PTA will award $1500 in scholarship monies to the applicants who best suits these qualifications:
- Pleasant Lake Elementary graduate who attended PLE for a minimum of three years
- Walled Lake Central or Northern Graduate
- Actively involved in school or community activities
- Demonstrates leadership qualities
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Accepted to college
- Be willing to accept your award at PLE’s fifth grade graduation in June
- Submit application to counseling office by Monday, April 15
If the committee does not feel any candidates are worthy then it is up to the discretion of the committee to not award a scholarship in any given year. If you have any questions about this scholarship or need assistance please reach out to Brendaraymond@wlcsd.org
Spring Testing Information - April 2024
Information regarding spring testing for the secondary level is listed below. Schools will be following up directly with families regarding any adjusted time schedules as part of these testing days:
High School
- 9th Grade PSAT - April 9
- 11th Grade SAT - April 10
- 11th Grade Workkeys - April 11
- 10th Grade PSAT - April 11
- M-Step - April 16-17
- PSAT Makeup - April 23
- SAT Makeup - April 24
- Workkeys Makeup - April 25
- PSAT Makeup - April 25
Middle School
- 8th Grade PSAT - April 17
- M-Step - April 22-25 | GMS, SMBS, WCMS
- M-Step - April 30 - May 3 | Clifford Smart
Walled Lake Athletes Committing to Play at the College Level
Year-end presents a great opportunity to celebrate our top senior student athletes and their opportunity to continue their athletic careers in college.
Please provide the following information on SENIOR athletes that have either:
- received a scholarship to play college athletics
- have a spot guaranteed to them on a college roster as a "preferred walk-on."
Do you know a Shining Star? Nominate them today!
The Shining Stars Award recognizes outstanding individuals and student peers who have supported the special needs community within Walled Lake Schools.
Love your child's bus driver? Nominate them.
Love your child's Unified coach or buddy? Nominate them!
Some of the qualities of the nominee might include: a positive attitude, dedication, dependability, self-motivation, helpfulness and more.
Nominees can be anyone associated with the special needs community: teacher, para, bus driver, aide, buddy, parent, coach, volunteer, etc. Nominations accepted via the link below.
Every nominee will be recognized and receive a Shining Stars Award at the ceremony on April 30th at Walled Lake Central High School. You don't want to miss this special event!
All nominations must be received on or before April 5, 2024. Questions? Contact WalledLakePAC@gmail.com
Graduate Spotlight Nomination
Please complete the following form in order to be considered for the Graduate Spotlight section of the WLCSD quarterly Learning newsletter. The nominated student needs to be a 2016 graduate or before. Please contact pamelacole@wlcsd.org with any questions.
WLCSD Stormwater Management
FFE News and Notes
Hospitality House
Connect with Us!
Our mission, in partnership with parents and the community, is to become the best educational system in America so all students demonstrate they are caring, responsible, and knowledgeable citizens.
Email: danieldurkin@wlcsd.org
Website: www.wlcsd.org
Location: 850 Ladd Road, Walled Lake, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 956-2000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wlcsd/
Twitter: @WalledLkSchools