The Banks Bulletin

Jennifer VanWagnen, Principal

JenniferVanWagnen@wlcsd.org

(248) 956-2200

We Are Banks!

September

9/26- 8th Grade Band/Choir Performance @ WLW Pink Out Game

9/29- Volleyball vs. East @ 4 PM- Away

9/30- CC vs. East @ 4 PM- Away

9/30- Volleyball vs. White Lake @ 4 PM- Away

9/30- Special Services Conferences and Parent Resource Fair at Walnut Creek MS

10/1- Count Day

10/2- No School for Staff or Students

10/6- Volleyball vs. Muir @ 4 PM- Away

10/7- Volleyball vs. Centennial @ 4 PM - Home

10/8- Volleyball vs. Millennium @ 4 PM - 4 PM

10/8- CC vs. Power MS @ 4 PM- Away

Cross Country

Our Cross Country runners faced off against Millennium on Wednesday in the Bulldogs last home event for the season. And now a special note from our coaches:

Every athlete from Banks showed incredible heart and determination out on the course. We are proud of how hard our team fought from start to finish.

Special shoutouts to Hailey Behrmann, Varshith Irujolla, Daniel Vann, and Jackson Missitti for the largest improvements in their personal bests this season, and the parent volunteers who helped ensure the meet ran smoothly, and the supporters who cheered our team on.

We’re excited to continue building on this momentum and pushing for even more personal bests at our next meet, which will be at East Middle School in Farmington Hills on Tuesday, September 30th.

Let’s keep up the great work, team!

Volleyball

Our lady Bulldogs took on cross-town rivals Walnut Creek at home this past Wednesday where our 6/7 team lost 3 sets to 0, and our 8th grade group lost 2 sets to 1. Both teams never gave up and fought to the last serve. And now a special note from our coaches:

The three stars of the game include Aubrey Renner for her relentless hustle, Hailey Pitsch for her leadership on the court, and Vivian Baker for never giving up on a single point.

The coaches and players would like to thank all the staff and students for coming out to support the team. Your support makes a difference—let’s keep that Bulldog spirit going strong at the next game!

Our lady Bulldogs continue to improve with each practice and game, and we look forward to cheering them on at their next event which is on Monday, September 29th at East Middle School in Farmington Hills. Good luck, Bulldogs!

Fall Team/Individual Photos

Volleyball and Cross Country team and individual photos are took place at Banks on September 25th. Families, see below for ordering details from VSN Photography:

Parents: How to Order Photos of Your Athlete

Paper Order Forms: Athletes will be receiving these forms at a practice prior to picture day.(Submit with payment to the photographer)

Download & Print Order Form: www.vsnmichigan.com/form

Questions? Text/Call (248) 355-9525 or email pictures@vsnmichigan.com

Looking Ahead

Next week, there is no school on Thursday, October 2nd which means no practice as well. Also, the volleyball match against Centennial that was cancelled has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 7th at home. 8th grade will play first with 6/7 starting immediately after them. Also, for those interested in any winter sports, you can expect information to be shared in the bulletin next week. Stay tuned!

Go Bulldogs!

Dear 6th Grade Parents and Students,

We wanted to inform you that the originally scheduled 6th grade band concert on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sarah Banks Gym has been rescheduled to Monday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m., also in the Sarah Banks Gym.

We sincerely apologize for the oversight. The change was necessary due to a scheduling conflict with elementary school conferences that evening, which we were not initially aware of. We understand this adjustment may cause inconvenience for some families, and we truly appreciate your flexibility.

If this new date presents a conflict for your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll do our best to accommodate and support everyone involved.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support—we’re looking forward to a wonderful performance!

Musically yours,

Shelly Rouse-Freitag

Sarah Banks Middle School

Beginning Woodwinds/Band

Introduction to Instruments Coordinator

I am grateful to live in a community where support is provided to families in need. Hospitality House is a food pantry feeding those in need in Oakland and Wayne Counties and the surrounding Michigan communities. Whether you participated last year and would like weekend food service to continue or are interested in joining for the first time, please complete the Google Form linked below and provide us with the following information by September 26:

• Number of students participating
• Any food allergies for each student

Also, please note the following:

• First delivery of weekend food bags to the school is Thursday, October 9th
• Deliveries will continue every Friday for the remainder of the school year

We have much to be thankful for, and the partnership we share with our families and the community organizations is one to celebrate.

Please consider the safety of our entire Bulldog Community when you are dropping off or picking up your students. Following the procedures at SLOW SPEEDS is the best way to keep everyone safe. Say long good byes while you are driving to school. When dropping off, make sure your student is prepared to exit the car quickly. Families who are prepared for this will help ensure more efficient traffic flow.

• Front Parking Lot Closed Daily, 7:45–8:10 AM
  To promote safe, calm arrivals, the front lot will be blocked to vehicles during this window. Inconsistent use of the lot has created unsafe drop-off situations. This procedure eliminates those risks.
• Bus Loop Closed Until All Buses Unload
  The bus loop is not open to cars during arrival or dismissal. Please do not park or leave your vehicle in the loop. Timing may vary slightly day to day based on bus arrivals.
• . In the event that you need to pick-up early, you must do so before 2:40 p.m.

How you can help:

• Please use district busing as the primary mode of transportation whenever possible.
• Use the pick-up/drop-off line only if you live outside the busing limits.
• Carpool when possible.
• Have backpacks zipped, instruments ready and goodbyes said before unloading to keep lines moving safely. When dropping off, make sure your student is prepared to exit the car quickly.
• Pull all the way forward even after dropping off to help ensure more efficient traffic flow.
• Refrain from cutting through the parking lot. Refer to the map below and adhere to it.
• Unload at all 6 spots-do not wait until you get to spot #1 to unload

Please complete the information by clicking the link below, if you are interested in signing up to get more information to participate in the upcoming swimming and diving season. This season typically starts the first week in December and goes through late January. For that reason it covers part of the Winter 1 season and part of the beginning of the Winter 2 season. Please only complete the form if your swimmer/diver is interested in participating in the 2025-26 season. We will be collecting information from 6th, 7th, and 8th grader swimmers and divers and the team is co-ed. We are using this form in order to gauge interest in the teams and does NOT mean that your son/daughter is signed up for the season.

If you have more than one swimmer/diver, please complete the SWIMMER/DIVER section of the form twice, no need to fill out the Parent section twice, just leave it blank.

Competitive swim/dive team experience is not required, but students MUST be a confident swimmer and comfortable in the water. This is NOT a "learn how to swim" program. As the swim/dive team is not a cut sport, our coaches will assess students various abilities in the the pool, in order to provide a safe experience for all.

Thank you to all of the families who were able to attend the Washington, D.C. Trip Informational Meeting last night. For those families who were unable to attend, please visit read the DC Trip newsletter to access the registration link through Academic Expeditions, view the meeting presentation, and more.

Please remember that to be officially considered “registered” for the trip, the following steps must be taken care of:

• Registered with the initial deposit through Academic Expeditions
• Signed up for and purchased the CFAR travel insurance
• Turned in the permission slip and behavior contract to Mr. Yu

If you have any questions about the DC trip, please reach out to Mr. Yu at TorryYu@wlcsd.org.

Right now, all students can receive free meals. Starting October 1st, if the State of Michigan does not approve money to continue this program, families will need to pay full price for breakfast and lunch.

You may still fill out an application for the Federal Free/Reduced Meal Program. If your family is approved, your child(ren) will continue to get free or reduced meals, even if the State does not fund the free meal program.

To apply, using a Computer, please log in to Family Access:
https://skyweb.wlcsd.org/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsEAplus/seplog01.w. Choose student, click 20025-2026 Back to School Packet. Click on each step and follow the directions then click complete Step to move on. For the step with the meal application, uncheck the box to skip step, then create an application.

• If you have started your application, click "Pending Application" to finish it.
• If you do not want to apply, please delete your application by checking the box at the bottom of Step 6 that says: "I do not qualify for benefits or do not wish to complete an application."

If you have questions, please contact the Food Service Office:
📞 248-956-3081
📧 FoodService@wlcsd.org

If your student has not ordered a Chromebook, please click here and scroll down to complete the Chromebook Device Agreement and pay the necessary fees through E-fund as soon as possible. As a reminder, each student will be required to bring a device to school each day as the middle schools do not have Chromebook carts in the building for students to use a Chromebook during the day. District issued Chromebooks often work much better within the building than personal devices do as they are set up to connect to the District Wi-Fi.

English Language Development Paraprofessional

Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required

25 hours/week

Monday-Friday 8:00-1:30

Starting pay is $17.33/hour

Working with a great team!

It would be a great job for a parent who is looking to earn some extra money while kids are in school!

Contact Kallie Iverson at KallieIverson@wlcsd.org for more information.

It's not too early to order a yearbook! Scan the QR code below and order now for $40, which is a savings of $20! Please email TorryYu@wlcsd.org, KaysieStassi@wlcsd.org or LauraShipes@wlcsd.org with any questions or concerns.

In a world dominated by instant communication, cell phones can be a major distraction during the school day. At Sarah Banks Middle School, our goal is not to limit contact between students and families, but to promote responsible and appropriate use of technology in an academic setting.

Policy Overview:

• Student cell phones must remain in lockers throughout the school day.
• If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian, they must do so through the attendance office.
• Students are not permitted to text or call parents directly during school hours, including when they are feeling unwell or need something.
• In alignment with a district-wide directive, iPads are not permitted at school this year. If used during the school day, iPads will be treated the same as cell phones and subject to the same consequences.

Consequences for Cell Phone Use During the School Day:

• 1st Violation: Phone is confiscated and held in the office until the end of the day. Parents will be contacted with a reminder of the policy and informed of next steps for future incidents.
• 2nd Violation: Phone is confiscated and must be picked up by a parent or guardian in person.
• Repeated Violations: May result in progressive disciplinary action.

• First Bell, 8:00 a.m. - This is when students are permitted to enter the hallways from the front lobby and buses.

• Warning Bell, 8:05 a.m. - This bell lets students know that they have five minutes left to make it to class.

• Tardy Bell, 8:10a.m. - This is the official start of 1st hour. Students arriving after this bell are considered tardy for their first class.

WLCSD has a 1-to-1 Chromebook Program in all of our middle and high schools. Please review the information about the 1-to-1 Chromebook Program as part of your Back-to-School Online Registration Process.

Each student will be required to bring a device to school each day as the middle schools do not have Chromebook carts in the building for students to use a Chromebook during the day. District issued Chromebooks often work much better within the building than personal devices do as they are set up to connect to the District Wi-Fi.

Important Highlights

Students will have two choices for technology use while at school:

1. Bring your own device from home

2. Sign up for a District issued Chromebook*

*Additional carts of Chromebooks will no longer be available for students to utilize extra building devices on a daily basis. Students will be expected to bring a charged device (personal device or District issued Chromebook) daily in order to utilize online curricular resources as well as participate in daily instruction within the classroom.

We strongly encourage families to sign up for a District issued Chromebook.

There are advantages to this practice including:

• Better Wi-Fi connectivity in District

• Increased support from District IT staff including

• curriculum resources

• support apps

• Streamline repair process

MIDDLE SCHOOL students (grades 6-8) must complete PAYMENT for the Chromebook deposit ($50) and Technology Protection Plan ($20) in order to receive the District issued Chromebook. Payments made after August 11 will still receive a device, but not until the first few days of school. Please be sure to review the entire 1-to-1 Chromebook Program Information that is linked on our Back-to-School Packet Website. If you are in need of financial assistance to participate in this program, please reach out to Mrs. VanWagnen directly at JenniferVanWagnen@wlcsd.org.

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.

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.

As you are aware, we live in an ever-changing, technological world. A major shift that we are all experiencing is the pervasiveness of artificial intelligence (AI). To help our students navigate this new addition to our world we will be providing background and instruction to our 6-12 grade students on how and when it is appropriate to use AI tools in the classroom this school year. These tools will be introduced thoughtfully and responsibly, with staff receiving ongoing professional development throughout the year.

Please refer to the attached parent letter and student agreement and reach out if you have any questions about the use of AI in the classrooms.

As we begin another school year, keeping our students safe on the way to and from school is a top priority. Families, drivers, and students all play an important role in school bus safety.

• For Drivers: Always stop when red lights are flashing on a school bus. It is the law, and it protects children as they board or exit the bus. Be alert in neighborhoods and near bus stops.

• For Students: Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early, wait safely away from the road, and always cross in front of the bus when given the signal by the driver. Stay seated and keep the aisles clear while riding.

• For Families: Remind children about safe behavior at the bus stop and on the bus. Encourage younger students to use handrails and listen carefully to driver instructions.

Together, we can make sure every child has a safe ride to and from school each day.

Please follow the steps below when your student's District Chromebook needs to be repaired.

1. If a student needs support, he/she should fill out a Student Chromebook Support Form linked on all of the Google Classrooms and on the school website under Students. Being logged on to the school google account is required to access the form.
2. The information in the form will be sent to Mrs. Stasak, our Middle School Computer Resource Teacher. She will reply to the student at his/her school gmail account. She will offer suggestions to fix the issue or, if it needs service, she will tell the student to take the chromebook to the office and give it to building admin secretary (enter the name for your building).
3. The chromebook in the case will be sent through inner office and the student will be allowed to use a loaner chromebook AT SCHOOL. It will be the student’s responsibility to pick it up each morning from the office and return it at the end of the day.
4. When the chromebook has been repaired, it will be delivered back to the school for the student to pick up.
5. If the family purchased insurance, the first repair is free and all additional repairs carry a deductible. Deductible invoices or repair invoices, for those that did not choose insurance, must be paid before the repaired chromebook is returned.
6. If a student with a personal chromebook has a network issue, the same form can be used. We are not able to fix physical problems with personal devices and loaner chromebooks will not be provided.

WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF HEALTH OR ACCIDENT INSURANCE FOR INJURIES INCURRED BY YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL.

If your child is injured while at school, all costs are the responsibility of the parents and/or guardians. As a service to students and their families, our District is making available a student accident insurance plan for your child at a very nominal cost. The District offers this program because of trends in rising family health and dental insurance costs, increased deductibles, co-payments or lack of health or dental insurance coverage.

REASONS TO PURCHASE THIS COVERAGE:

1. Deductible and co-pays in your health plan. Many health plans have increased the amount of out-of-pocket expenses.

2. No insurance.

This plan will provide benefits for medical expenses incurred because of an accident. If you have other insurance, benefits can be applied to your deductible or co-pay. If you have no other insurance, this will become your primary accident plan.

First Agency, Inc., will be administering the program for Voluntary Student Accident Insurance. All information is attached to this email is also can be found on the district website under Families.

Parent Letter - To be distributed to your student population and posted to your school’s website.

Student Optional Accident Plans - To be posted on your school’s website ONLY. You may download and print a copy, however, it should be kept in the office and distributed upon parent request.

Schedule of Benefits and Premiums - To be posted to your school’s website ONLY. You may download and print a copy, however, it should be kept in the office and distributed upon parent request only.

All information may be found online, as explained in the Parent Letter, at www.1stagency.com as well as on the District’s website.

Each year we have questions regarding the District’s liability for accidents. Please note the first sentence of the Parent Letter States:

“WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF HEALTH OR ACCIDENT INSURANCE FOR INJURIES INCURRED BY YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOLS”

At Banks, we believe that a strong school community is built on three essential values: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. These principles guide everything we do—how we treat one another, how we approach learning, and how we care for our environment.

Being respectful means showing kindness, listening to others, and valuing differences. It’s about treating classmates, teachers, and staff with dignity and courtesy.

Being responsible means owning your actions, making good choices, and doing your part—whether it’s completing assignments, following school rules, or helping others.

Being safe means looking out for yourself and those around you. It means using technology wisely, moving through the building calmly, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.

When we live by these values, we create a school where everyone can thrive. Let’s work together to make Banks a place where respect, responsibility, and safety are at the heart of everything we do.

In addition to receiving phone calls and email notifications from the school district in the event of a school closing or emergency, parents can also sign up to receive SMS Text messages.

Please find the helpful step-by-step instructions linked below as well as the video tutorial on signing up for SMS messages.

· Signing Up for SMS Messages via Skylert

Jennifer VanWagnen

Principal: jennifervanwagnen@wlcsd.org

Kellan Watkins

Principal's Secretary: kellanwatkins@wlcsd.org

Anthony McNamara

Assistant Principal: anythonymcnamara@wlcsd.org

Jennifer Dean

Assistant Principal's Secretary: jenniferdean@wlcsd.org

Kevin Zurro

Student Success Coordinator: kevinzurro@wlcsd.org

Important Phone Numbers:

Main Line: 248-956-2200

Attendance: 248-956-2290

Email: JenniferVanWagnen@wlcsd.org
Website: https://banks.wlcsd.org/
Location: 1760 Charms Road Wixom, MI 48393
Phone: (248) 956-2200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sarahbanksptsa