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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• December 18: WLC Collage Concert - Tickets are available now at www.wlcstickets.com
• December 18: Board of Education regular meeting; 7pm at ESC
• December 22-January 2: Winter Break - No School for Students or Staff
• January 5: School Resumes

Our 2025-26 District Teachers of the Year are Wixom Elementary's Jennifer Sadoway, Walnut Creek Middle School's Jennifer Maxbauer and Walled Lake Central's Stephanie Meyers!

Bennett Elementary students and staff were glowing with pure joy on Tuesday, December 16, as Walled Lake Northern Student Leadership surprised them with more than 3,000 gifts worth over $5,000 as part of the Knights' 10th annual Gift Drive.

The Walled Lake Northern community helped provide gifts for around 500 students and 50 staff members based on a list of wants and needs.

Senior Lanie Cucchi took over our Instagram story to give you a behind the scenes look at delivery day. You can view her takeover in the Highlights section of our Instagram page by clicking 'WLN Gift Drive'.

Sarah G. Banks Middle School boys’ basketball raised the Lakes Valley Conference championship trophy for the first time in program history on Wednesday night after edging in-district rival Clifford H. Smart Middle School in a thriller.

"This is a great accomplishment for Banks and the boys’ basketball team,” said head coach Alex Rickens. “The boys worked hard, some for three years, to earn this title and they represented their school, district and community with pride, respect and integrity."

The Bulldogs trailed by as many as 12 points in the conference title game, but went on a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead. They then locked down on defensive to hold on and edge the top-seeded Trojans, 33-31, for their first LVC crown.

“The team progressed and improved immensely throughout the season,” said Rickens. “We were able to adapt offenses and defenses to our players abilities that allowed them to achieve on the court in the positions they play. Each player contributed equally to the team's success all season long.”

Sarah G. Banks finished the year 12-1 overall, avenging its only loss of the season on Wednesday night against Clifford H. Smart.

The Walled Lake Whitecaps lit up the ice with these amazing Miracle League athletes for the second-straight year.

This past Wednesday players from all three high school enjoyed a night filled with learning, laughter and plenty of joy.

Who doesn’t love to party at school?!

Pleasant Lake Elementary students hit the dance floor during lunch thanks to Mr. Bowyer spinning some holiday beats on Tuesday!

The lunch time party was a reward for the Sharks hitting one of their Color Run fundraising milestone goals.

Community members are advised of upcoming road construction along West Maple Road near Walled Lake Elementary, beginning Monday, January 5, 2026.

Ric-Man Construction will be completing emergency repair work on a 42-inch Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) water main in coordination with the City of Walled Lake. To safely complete this work, the center lane of West Maple Road will be closed for approximately two weeks, and westbound West Maple Road will be closed for approximately one to two weeks, depending on conditions.

Motorists should expect traffic delays in the area and are encouraged to plan alternate routes when possible. This work may also impact traffic during arrival and dismissal times at nearby schools within the Walled Lake Consolidated School District.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure work is completed.

The entire Walled Lake Consolidated Schools community is invited to attend the District's 27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026. This year's celebration will be at Walled Lake Northern High School with a tour of student exhibits starting at 5 p.m. and a formal program starting at 6:15 p.m. This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration theme is Service.“

"Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

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.

January 13, 2026 *Virtual Meeting

• 5:45-6:30 PM - Conference with Administrators
• 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - The ARC: Guardianship, Power of Attorney

March 26, 2026 *Location TBD

• Inclusion Week - Unified Basketball game vs. WL Administrators and Staff

Questions? Email WalledLakePAC@gmail.com

Team Walled Lake (Area 15) Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults (8 years and older) with intellectual disabilities. We are looking for new athletes this season and participating in Unified Sports alongside Team Walled Lake is possible.

Days: Monday & Friday

Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Location: Sarah Banks Middle School

Address: 1760 Charms Rd, Wixom, MI 48393

There is no cost for athletes to participate.

Please complete this Google Form, if interested. This will be used as the registration for the season.

This year, athletes will be split into two separate groups:

• Athletes that want to compete at tournaments and scrimmages, committing to the entire season.

• Athletes that do not want to participate in tournaments, cannot guarantee attendance, and just want to have fun with their friends.

Both groups are wonderful! The only difference will be is that athletes not competing will not be placed on teams - they will attend practices, but will not 'officially' be on a roster.

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.

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