The Banks Bulletin
March 6th, 2026
Upcoming Events
March
3/7: Wrestling @ LVC Tournament
3/9: Yearbook Club Meeting-After School
3/9: Girls BB @ TBA
3/9: Incoming 6th Grade Family Night @ 6:30 PM
3/10: Half Day for Students, Staff Professional Development
3/11: NJHS Meeting @3:10- 4 PM
3/11-3/12: SpongeBob Rehearsal @ 3-5:30 PM*
3/11: *Mandatory Parent Meeting @ 6 PM
3/12: HS Counselors Return to Banks to Finalize Course Selections with 8th Grade Students
3/14: Girls BB @ TBA
Order Your Spiritwear
** Spring is almost here!!**
Just in time to have a new hoodie, t-shirt or long sleeve to represent Banks in style at all those spring events!
The Banks Spiritwear store is open now. You have until Monday, March 16th to place your orders. Items should be available as soon as we come back from spring break on April 6th. (Click on the link below to be taken to the online spirit wear store)
https://americansilkscreenmi.com/product-category/sarah-banks-ms-spirit-wear/
When ordering, please include your student’s 1st hour teacher on the “Teacher’s Name” line. Don’t forget to include your student’s name where indicated as well to assist us in getting orders to the right person.
If you have questions, reach out to Sarah Reese (PTSA Membership chair) at reese.sarah@gmail.com
Ramadan
The first day of fasting for the holy month of Ramadan began over midwinter break and is dependent on the sighting of the new moon. Ramadan is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. During the holy month of Ramadan, observing Muslims fast from just before the sunrise prayer, Fajr, to the sunset prayer, Maghrib. Our Bulldogs observing Muslim students may go to the media center during their lunch period if they would prefer. For those who celebrate, we wish you a meaningful month of Ramadan.
Information Regarding Math Course-Skipping Procedures
Our current math standards are more rigorous and demanding than ever. Students are expected to develop a deep understanding of concepts leading to fluency with facts and procedures, and the ability to clearly communicate their mathematical thinking. Further, students must pass a demanding sequence of high school math courses in order to meet graduation requirements. In response to the increased expectations for all students, we have adjusted the content focus and instructional approaches in all of our math courses.
Because of the higher standards and to ensure student success at all points of their
mathematical education, we are using the procedures described below to accelerate students.
In order to skip a course in the math sequence, students must demonstrate proficiency in
the content and skills of the course they are attempting to skip.
The process and procedures described on the following pages (linked below) apply to all students currently in grades 2 through 6. Students attempting to test-out of high school courses will use the existing process described on the district website. If you have questions after reviewing the process, please contact your building principal or me. Thank you for your partnership in education.
Sincerely,
Ellen McDonald
Math/Science Coordinator
248.956.2029
8TH GRADE PSAT TESTING ON THURSDAY, APRIL 16TH
Please note that all Walled Lake 8th graders will be here for a full day and 6th and 7th graders will have a late start on April 16th.
Morning Schedule
- 8:00 a.m.-8:05 a.m.-8th Graders arrive
- 8:20 a.m.-11:25 a.m.-Administer the 8th Grade PSAT
- 11:25 a.m.-11:58 a.m.-8th Grade Lunch
- 6th and 7th graders arrive at approximately 11:45 a.m.
Afternoon 1/2 Day Schedule
- 1st Hour 12:05 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
- 2nd Hour 12:35 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
- 3rd Hour 1:05 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
- 4th Hour 1:35 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
- 5th Hour 2:05 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
- 6th Hour 2:35 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Transportation will be provided to all students to and from school on April 16th. The bus schedule will be posted on the transportation website one day prior.
Pick Up/Drop Off Information
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
Athletics Update from Mr. McNamara
Wishing our wrestling and girls basketball teams the best of luck as they prepare for and begin post-season competition! You make us so proud!
Spring season: Track and Field
Track and Field is our only sport offering for Spring, so we hope you'll consider being part of the Banks team! First week starts the week of March 23. There's plenty of room for all athletes, and this is a no-cut sport. Athletes will need to make a pay-to-participate fee of $120 unless you've met the family maximum of $240 for the year or qualify for a reduced fee. Please check in with athletic director Tony McNamara for any questions regarding this upcoming season. As with all other athletics, students must have a physical on field dates after April 15, 2025. Additionally, athletes must complete the following form prior to the season: https://forms.gle/1tz3uTiidY6FH9298
8th Grade Washington, D.C. Update
D.C. Trip Update
Families should SAVE THE DATE for our Pre-Trip Parent Meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 8 at 5:30pm in the Sarah Banks Cafeteria. We will be reviewing the trip itinerary, packing information, trip expectations, and more!
Additionally, a couple additional seats have opened up on the D.C. trip. Any interested 8th grade student interested in claiming one of these additional seats should reach out to Mr. Yu at TorryYu@wlcsd.org and spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
Find Us on Instagram!
In exciting news, Sarah Banks is officially on Instagram! 🎉
Thank you to our Student Council for spreading the positive! We would love your support. Please give us a follow and feel free to like, comment, or repost to help spread the word. The more engagement, the more school spirit we can share.
Find us: @sarahbanksmiddleschool
Save the Date - Walled Lake Inclusion Week Staff Appreciation Event 🏀
The Special Services Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is honored to invite the community to a truly special Inclusion Event on March 26, 2026. This evening is dedicated to fostering community, appreciation, and awareness through the power of Unified Sports.
The event will take place on March 26, 2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Walled Lake Central High School. At this event, we will also be recognizing All staff in appreciation of all they do to inspire students, Every Child, Every Day. Your presence and support make a meaningful difference in our efforts to empower families and foster an inclusive school community.
We are seeking donations to make this event truly special for staff. Please consider donating at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48ADAE23A6FB6-60897483-unified#/
Let’s come together to celebrate, learn, and build a stronger, more unified community. Mark your calendars for March 26th, from 6-8 pm, and help us make this event a memorable milestone in our journey toward acceptance and partnership.
It's time to buy your FFE 50/50 raffle ticket for a chance to win BIG money and support classrooms in WLCSD
Who wants to get a chance to win BIG money for your child's future college tuition?
Time is running out to buy a ticket for the FFE 50/50 Tuition Expedition Raffle! There are only 2 weeks left before the drawing and the current prize is $5,700 for the scholarship option or $4,600 for the cash payout. However, it is expected to grow significantly in the final two weeks of the sale. Last year's winner won over $11,000!
It doesn't matter how old your child is; the FFE can hold the scholarship funds for up to 20 years before paying them out.
Tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50. Or 6 for $100 if you are feeling lucky! Proceeds support the FFE's mission to put more tools and resources in classrooms across Walled Lake Schools.
Tickets are available in your school (only for the next week!), at the Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union, or by requesting one through the FFE website. You can find out the easiest way to get your tickets on the FFE website at www.wlcsd.org/FFERaffle
Don't miss your chance to win BIG!
Staff Shout Outs 💙
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.
Cell Phone and Related Technology Policy
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.
District Chromebook Repair Process
Please follow the steps below when your student's District Chromebook needs to be repaired.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- When the chromebook has been repaired, it will be delivered back to the school for the student to pick up.
- 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.
- 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.
Banks Core Values
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.
Signing up for SMS Messages in Skylert
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.
Connect With Us
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