District Update

We hope you'll review this week's District Update filled with news and notes from across the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Stay up to date with the District by visiting www.wlcsd.org and connecting with the district on social media.

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• April 27-30: WLC Art Show | Opening Reception April 27 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• May 7: Board of Education regular meeting; 7 p.m. at the Educational Services Center
• May 11: PTSA Council Installation and Awards Celebration; 6:30 p.m. at Walnut Creek Middle School
• May 13: WLCSD K-12 Art Show Reception; 4-7 p.m. at the Commerce Township Public Library
• May 25: District CLOSED - Memorial Day
• May 29: ATP Graduation; 11 a.m. at WL Western High School
• May 31: WLCSD Commencement Ceremonies - Eastern Michigan University

To help keep our community informed, we have created a comprehensive FAQ guide for those interested in learning more about the facts related to the new Wixom Elementary project. This resource includes important information and answers to common questions about the planning, timeline, and site details for the new school.

We encourage all interested readers to review this comprehensive guide , which can be found linked below in this newsletter. As we continue to move this exciting project forward, we remain committed to providing clear and timely updates to our families, staff, and community.

The Walled Lake Western forensics teams shined over the weekend at the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association (MIFA) state tournament at Eastern Michigan University. The Warriors placed 7th overall in Class A with students advancing to the semifinals in 13 of the 23 total events.

Zoey Crafton and Chia Hurtado claimed the state championship in Duo Interpretation with their piece, That’s Not How I Remember it by Don Zolidis.

"I've coached forensics for 28 years and have dozens of state champions, but Zoey and Chia are our first Duo Interpretation state champions,” said Doug Bevier. “Their piece is hysterically funny, and they have amazing chemistry. Their championship is a testament to their talent, but more importantly, the countless hours of practice and work they put in with our talented coaching staff."

Walled Lake Western senior Noah Springer also placed in the event of Extemporaneous.

The Warriors’ forensics team will now head to The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island for the Michigan Speech Coaches, Inc. (MSCI) Tournament on May 15-17.

Walnut Creek Middle School ASD teacher, Jennifer Maxbauer, will be recognized with the Mark-Lis Family Young Leadership Award at the annual Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Awards Night on May 13.

The Mark-Lis Family Young Leadership Award is given annually to an established young leader who has shown outstanding commitment and achieved remarkable success within the Federation’s NEXTGen Detroit department.

Earlier this year, Maxbauer was also recognized as the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Real choice. Real consequences. Real impact.

Walled Lake Northern student leadership led a powerful mock car crash demonstration this morning to highlight the serious consequences of drunk driving and the importance of making safe choices with prom and graduation celebrations right around the corner

Our central office administrators and Board of Education members enjoyed a delicious visit to Walnut Creek Middle School today getting a firsthand taste of the great things happening in our cafeterias every day.

It's time to salute the unstoppable Class of 2026!

Help us shine the spotlight on their incredible journey and unforgettable memories on social media as graduation draws near!

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."

The information will be used by each school to plan their signing days and will also be printed in the LEARNING newsletter (if approved.)

Why?

To honor and recognize those individuals and organizations who exhibit kindness and care toward others.

Who?

• Any student, teacher, secretary, administrator, bus driver, playground supervisor, or any Walled Lake Schools employee may be nominated.
• Parents, grandparents, or community members may be nominated.
• A company, store, or an organization may be nominated.
• Any or all the above who: demonstrate kindness on a frequent basis, go out of their way to make others feel better, lead initiatives in their school or community to benefit others, or inspire others to show kindness.

When and Where?

“Kindness Matters” award winners will be honored and recognized at the June 4th WLCSD Board of Education Meeting.

How?

Nominations can be submitted through the Kindness Matters Nomination form. Be sure to include a description which will explain and support your nomination. The submission deadline is Monday, May 4.

Questions?

Please email Nayal Maktari, Principal of Clifford H. Smart Middle School, at NayalMaktari@wlcsd.org, if you have any questions.

The Foundation for Excellence is looking for sponsors for our upcoming Golf Scramble — and we'd love your help spreading the word!

Join us on June 15th at Edgewood Country Club for a fun day that supports teachers and students through the FFE's mission to add more tools and resources to classrooms across the district. It's a wonderful way for local businesses to invest in our community and make a real difference for kids.

If you know a business that cares about public education, please point them to:

www.wlcsd.org/FFEGolfScramble or have them contact JackieGurwin@wlcsd.org

The more money we raise, the more students benefit.

Thank you for helping us get the word out!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS for the 2026 PINK OUT T-Shirt Design Contest!

T-Shirt Design Rules:

1. Use only the following colors in the design: Royal Blue, White and Pink.
2. Design must fit on the front center chest area of the t-shirt and can only occupy a space 11” wide by 10” tall.
3. Design must include:

• “Warriors for Warriors” or “W4W”
• “No One Fights Alone”
• W4W original logo

1. Any design submitted is subject to adjustment from the W4W committee or t-shirt company without consent of the artist.
2. All designs submitted become the sole property of W4W and may be used anytime without prior consent of the artist.

DEADLINE: Submit art by May 9, 2026 on our website: www.warriorsforwarriors.net

The winning designer will receive a $50 Visa gift card!

In an effort to find additional ways to celebrate our staff, the WLCSD Community Relations department requests that families fill out the information below for 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.

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.

The Commerce Township Community Library Summer Reading Challenge begins Saturday, June 13. Celebrate with crafts and activities! Plus, don’t miss the Heart of Lakes Festival taking place at the crossroads of Commerce and S. Commerce.

• 10am-12pm: Jurassic Adventure Dino Petting Zoo and Oakland Parks Bouncers
• 11am-1pm: Foam Party
• 12-3pm: Juggling with Crazy Craig*
• 2-3pm: Live Music with Guy Louis*
• 4-6pm: Bubble Part

Join the WL Northern Football Team for a "mini" mini-camp on Tuesday, June 23 from 6-7 p.m. Admission is free. Please contact Josh Perusse for more information and to register: JoshuaPerusse@wlcsd.org

Largest Mental Health Festival in the WORLD @ The Detroit Zoo July 12 , 2026!

• 8 a.m. - Tent activities begin / General welcome
• 8:45 a.m. - Voluntary zoo walk begins
• 10:30 a.m. - All participants must be checked in and inside the zoo
• 12 p.m. - Raffles winners announced
• 12:30 p.m. - Festival ends/tent activities close - Enjoy your day at the zoo!

Tickets for this event are FREE but registration is required. Please contact Words of Hope for Life for more information and how to register.

ViewFest is the world’s largest mental health and prevention festival. Founded in 2021, it has

grown into a one-day, community-powered celebration that brings together thousands of

Hope 4 Life that leverages large, joyful gatherings to promote wellness, reduce stigma, and

strengthen protective factors against substance use. Unlike conventional festivals or health

fairs, every element of ViewFest is interactive: each table offers hands-on activities, coping

tools, and direct connections to resources in a vibrant, stigma-free environment.

During the 2025-26 school year, all Michigan public school students in grades Pre-K through 12 will have access to free breakfast and free lunch every day through the "Healthy School Meals for All" program. This includes a meat/meat alternative, grain, fruit/vegetable and milk. A la carte items will be available for purchase.

Families are still encouraged to complete the free/reduced meal form on Skyward Family Access help secure additional funding for the District including Title I funding. By completing the form, eligible families may also receive access to other free and reduced programs within the District including SAT testing, pay to participate and more.

The Hospitality House Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help:

• Shopping with clients in the pantry
• Sorting goods
• Providing warehouse support

Learn more by visiting www.hhfp.org/volunteer.

Call (248) 858-1306 to schedule your appointment.

Help make a difference by volunteering at the Making Spirits Bright community book bank!

We're located at 28580 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 210, Farmington Hills, MI 483414.

Learn more by visiting www.MakingSpiritsBright.org.

Need a place you can trust to do your banking? Give Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union a try!

We serve students and staff of Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, as well as their families.

Learn more at www.wlsfcu.com.

No matter where you live in the United States, you can easily access 24/7 emotional support.

Call or text 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a caring counselor. We are here for you!

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