District Update
A weekly update from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Walled Lake Consolidated School District Update: May 28, 2026
Upcoming Events π
- May 29: Adult Transitions Program (ATP) Graduation; 11 a.m. at WL Western High School
- May 31: WLCSD Commencement Ceremonies - Eastern Michigan University
- June 4: Board of Education regular meeting, 7 p.m. at the Educational Services Center
- June 10: Last Day of School - Half Day for Students
Weekly Highlights
Class of 2026 returns to their elementary schools for final farewell π
Senior Shout Outs π
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!
Loon Lake, Walnut Creek receive awards at Oakland Schools 3P Learning Showcase
Loon Lake Elementary and Walnut Creek Middle School students shined at the 2026 Oakland School 3P Learning Showcase. The annual showcase celebrates innovative Project, Problem and Place-Based (3P) Learning with educators, families and community partners throughout Oakland County.
The Loons were recognized for their project addressing the need for shade on the school playground. They researched and wrote opinion letters that were shared at a PTA meeting, as well as shared model versions of what they were hoping could be installed at Loon Lake Elementary. Thanks to their hard work, the Loon Lake Elementary PTA will be building a pavilion in the fall for students to use during recess, field day and other school events. The second graders were honored with the Local Lens Award, which recognizes a project that is deeply engaged with the local community, environment or culture bringing learning to life through place-based connections.
Walnut Creek Middles Schoolβs Makayla Carson and Avery Orlando received the Directorβs Cut Award for their Animal Prosthetics program. The Directorβs Cut Award honors a project that tackles a complex, real-world problem with thoughtful, innovative solutions and strong critical thinking. Carson and Orlando adopted an animal "client" with an injury or birth difference and then developed a technology that could give the animal natural function back. They made prototypes and learned about the impacts for growth, appropriate materials for the environment and the animal's comfort.
Strong partnerships help build safe schools π
Dr. Michael Lonze and district leaders met with local law enforcement this morning to collaborate on school safety practices and strengthen our shared commitment to our schools.
Weβre grateful for the strong relationships that help keep our students, staff and families safe each day. Together, we continue working to make our schools secure, welcoming places to learn and grow.
Arriving to school in style π
Pleasant Lake Elementary's Gabrielle Parks, who raised an amazing $5,000, won the coolest commute to school ever on Wednesday courtesy of the West Bloomfield Fire Department!
Thank you for another wonderful year!
Print out your last day of school sign π·
As we get set for the final day of school on June 10, make sure to print out one of our last day of school signs.
Send a photo of you with the sign to info@wlcsd.org for a chance to be featured on social media.
In the News
District News
Oakland County Enhancement Millage Overview
At its March 24 meeting, the Oakland Schools Board of Education voted to place a countywide Regional Enhancement Millage proposal on the August 4, 2026 ballot.
If approved by voters, the proposal would levy 1.5 mills for six years to provide additional funding to all public school districts and eligible public school academies in Oakland County. This funding would be distributed on a per-student basis, estimated at approximately $781 per student annually, or $4,686 per student over the life of the millage.
A Regional Enhancement Millage is a voter-approved property tax that allows school districts within a county to generate additional funding beyond what is provided by the State of Michigan under Proposal A (1994). It is the only mechanism available for districts to increase per-student operating revenue.
If approved, all funds generated would go directly to local public school districts and eligible public school academies. Oakland Schools would not receive any of the funding.
Currently, Oakland County does not have an enhancement millage in place. Some neighboring counties, including Wayne County and Macomb County, have implemented similar millages. Currently, 44% of students across the state have access to the additional enhancement funds.
Key Facts:
The proposal calls for a 1.50 mill levy on all taxpayers for a period of six years (2026-2031).
Funds would be distributed on a per-student basis to all public school districts and eligible public school academies.
Each school board would determine how funds are used.
Learn more: www.oaklandenhancementmillage.com
WLCSD Parent/Community Survey 2026
The purpose of this survey is to gather feedback from our parents, staff, community members and former students on the 2025-26 school year.
Work Continues the Geisler Educational Services Center (GESC) π§
Do you know an incoming Kindergartner (or Junior Kindergartner)?
Get them excited about school with a Kindergarten Welcome Kit! The kits cost $35, with proceeds supporting the FFE's mission to put more tools and resources in classrooms across the district.
Each kit contains:
A "Grow With Me" Shirt (all shirts are adult size large) displaying the student's graduation year. (2039 for Kindergarten or 2040 for Junior Kindergarten)
A school specific yard sign displaying the school mascot and graduation year.
A folder with information about the school, district calendar, book to welcome them the Kindergarten, PTA contact information and more.
Kits can be ordered through July 30 and will be available for pick up in August, likely the week before school begins. Delivery is available for an additional fee if you live within WLCSD boundaries.
Staff Shout Outs π
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.
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.
Raffle items needed for the FFE Golf Scramble
On June 15, the Foundation for Excellence will be hosting our 17th annual Golf Scramble to help raise funds for the classroom grant program we will run this fall. We are looking for local businesses that would be willing to donate a gift card or an item to be used in raffle baskets or as game prizes. Please reach out to Jackie Gurwin at JackieGurwin@wlcsd.org if you are able to help out with this.
Upcoming Events
Walled Lake United Lacrosse Alumni Game - June 4π₯
Join us for a fun night of lacrosse as the Lakes Valley Conference champions take on our program alumni at 6:30 p.m. on June 4 at Walled Lake Northern!
Lacrosse alumni from all three high schools are invited to suit up for the 3rd annual event and can sign up by completing the 2026 Alumni Game Registration.
WLMB Dairy Queen Fundraiser - June 5 π¦
Scoop. Support. March On!
Grab a Blizzard, cone, or sundae and help fuel the Walled Lake Marching Band during their Dairy Queen fundraiser on June 5 from 2-9 p.m. at the Walled Lake location (815 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390).
WLMB Third Annual Mattress Fundraiser - June 7 π
Join the Walled Lake Marching Band for their 3rd Annual Mattress Fundraiser on June 7 at WL Western High School from 11am to 4pm. This sale benefits Walled Lake Marching Band students.
- Twin mattresses from $249
- Full mattresses from $299
- Queen mattresses from $350
- King mattresses from $499
For more information, please contact tyler.millard@cfsbeds.com.
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party - June 13 π
The Commerce Township Community Library Summer Reading Challenge begins Saturday, June 13. Celebrate with crafts and activities! Plus, donβt 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
WLW Co-Ed Middle School Volleyball Camp - June 17-19 π
The WLW Co-Ed Middle School Volleyball Camp is open to all incoming 5th - 8th graders
- June 17 - 19, 9 am - noon
- The cost is $120 and includes camp shirt
- The location is Sarah Banks Middle School
- Camp is run by the WLW girls volleyball team and head coach Miguel Strauss.
WLN Football - "Mini" Mini Camp - June 23 π
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
Viewfest 2026 - July 12 π¦
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 worldβs 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.
9th Annual HHFP Golf Outing - July 27 β³
The Hospitality House Food Pantry will be hosting their 9th Annual Golf Outing on Monday, July 27 at Edgewood Country Club (8399 Commerce Road, Commerce Twp. 48382). Call 248-960-9975
for more information.
Foursome $700
- Includes 18-hole scramble, cart,
- breakfast, lunch, dinner, drink ticket
- Check in: 8:30 am
- Shotgun: 9:30 am
- Dinner: 4:00 pm
Dinner Only $50
- Guests arrive by 3:30pm
DRIVE, PUTT, AND TAKE ACTION TO ELIMINATE HUNGER!
Taste of the Lakes 25th anniversary event - Sept. 29 π§π»βπ³
Save the date for the Taste of the Lakes 25th anniversary event. September 29, 2026, 5 - 8 pm at Edgewood Country Club, 8399 Commerce Rd., Commerce Twp., MI.
District Links
Learning Newsletter
Spring 2026 Program Guide
Staff Shout Out Nomination Form
Complete the free/reduced meal form on Skyward
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.
Legacy Scholarship Fun recipients may be eligible to receive and extra $100 from WLSFCU
Thanks to the generosity of the Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union (WLSFCU), Legacy Scholarship Funds recipients are eligible to receive an extra $100 from the WLSFCU. To receive the $100 bonus, recipients must open a savings or checking account with WLSFCU and have their scholarship funds direct-deposited to their new (or existing) account.
To take advantage of this offer, recipients should contact Bryan Feldpausch by email at: bfeldpausch@wlsefcu.com no later than June 1, 2026. If a student recipient already has an account with WLSFCU, they must still contact Mr. Feldpausch and request the $100 bonus. All funds will be disbursed on August 1, 2026. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
Community Resources
Hospitality House Food Pantry π
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.
Free Kindergarten Dental Screenings π¦·
Call (248) 858-1306 to schedule your appointment.
Making Spirits Bright β¨
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.
Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union
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.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline π³
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!
FFE News and Notes
Lakes Area Youth Assistance
WLCSD Stormwater Management
Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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



