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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• February 13: Schools of Choice Application Deadline
• February 16-20: No School for Students or Staff - Enjoy your Mid-Winter break!
• February 23: PTSA Council meeting; 7pm at Sarah Banks MS
• March 2: 8th Grade Family Night; 6:30 p.m. at all three high schools
• March 5: Board of Education regular meeting; 7pm at the ESC
• March 6-8: WLW presents: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" - Tickets on sale NOW!
• March 9: 2026-27 Enrollment Opens for Grades 1-12
• March 10: Half Day for Students | Professional Development for Staff

Great schools, endless opportunities and a community ready to welcome you are headed your way!

Don’t miss your chance to apply for Schools of Choice for the 2026-27 school year! The application deadline is tomorrow (Feb. 13) at 4 p.m.

Whether you're headed on a vacation or enjoying a stay-cation, we want to see how you're spending Mid-Winter Break!

Share you photos with us by sending them to info@wlcsd.org for a chance to be featured on our social media. Bonus points if you are wearing your school's gear!

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ Instructional Technology Coach, Dan Love, will be recognized as the 2026 Innovative Technology Professional Award winner by The Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) on March 19 at its annual conference in Grand Rapids.

“I am incredibly humbled by this recognition,” said Love. “This work is only possible because of the vision of our Instructional Technology leadership and the seamless partnership between my fellow instructional technology coaches and our entire IT department.”

As an instructional technology coach, Love partners with teachers to design engaging, equitable learning experiences and is known for turning complex technology tools into practical strategies that support real classroom needs. His coaching focuses on building teacher confidence, fostering creativity and helping every student stay meaningfully engaged in learning.

Continue reading on district website.

(Photo Below: Courtesy Seattle Seahawks)

Walled Lake Western alumnus Cody White (’17) raised the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night in Santa Clara, California after winning Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots with stellar defensive play to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history, 29-13.

White, who was named Michigan Mr. Football in 2016, helped lead Walled Lake Western to a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship as a senior.

Earlier this season, White scored his first career NFL touchdown reigning in a 60-yard pass on November 2 in a 38-14 win against the Washington Commanders. Unfortunately, White was later placed on the Seahawks injured reserved suffering a season-ending groin injury in Week 17.

Our three high school choirs came together today for the annual Name of Love Tour, where they spread a message of love, justice and equality through song with performances at all three middle schools.

Warriors For Warriors dished out $28,000 on Tuesday night at the annual Walled Lake Western Pink Out basketball game to two foundations that help families battling Cancer, Angels of Hope and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Warriors For Warriors presented Angels of Hope and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation with checks for $14,000 each during the boys’ basketball game against Lakeland. The generous donations were possible thanks to funds raised during Pink Out events throughout the school year.

School to Tools brought its mobile field trip to Walled Lake Central on Friday, where the Vikings had the opportunity to get a hands-on look at careers in construction and the trades.

Watch some of the activities students were able to enjoy on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Sarah G. Banks Middle School building substitute, Elizabeth Jouppi, received a Golden Apple Award at the February 5, 2026 Board of Education meeting.

Jouppi was nominated because she creates a positive and nurturing learning environment where all learners feel valued and empowered. Her patience, kindness and professionalism make her a respected role model within Walled Lake Consolidated Schools.

Jouppi builds strong relationships with students, staff and families. She is self-motivated, proactive, and consistently looks for ways to support others and contribute positively to the school community.

Through her strong work ethic, collaborative spirit and genuine care for students, Jouppi encourages growth in both learners and colleagues. Her dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to student success make her an invaluable asset and her positive impact is felt throughout the district.

Pleasant Lake Elementary volunteer reader, Gail “Mimi” Pawl, received a Golden Apple Award at the February 5, 2026 Board of Education meeting.

Ms. Mimi, as she is known to her students, was nominated because she sets a standard for volunteerism through her patience and enthusiasm, showing that one person’s dedication can make a lasting impact.

Pawl has generously volunteered her time each week for more than a decade, sharing her love of reading and making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless students. Her warmth, patience and enthusiasm create an engaging and supportive environment where children build confidence and develop a genuine love for literacy.

Continue reading on district website.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s a great time to show your favorite WLCSD staff member how much you appreciate them with a Super Star Staff award. Pick any staff member you want – teacher, administrator, guest teacher, paraprofessional, bus driver, custodian… they all deserve recognition!

Your $10 award comes with a laminated certificate that is personalized with your message and sent to your nominee, as well as an entry for your nominee into a drawing for one of two $500 prizes from the Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union. The two Super Star Staff winners will be drawn and announced during Staff Appreciation Week in May.

The $10 cost goes to support the Foundation For Excellence’s mission of supporting our teachers and students through classroom grants. In December, the FFE gave back $60,000 to classrooms across the district and it’s funds like these that help make that happen.

You can order your Super Star Staff Award here: Super Star Staff Award Order Form

The Shining Stars Award recognizes outstanding individuals and student peers who have supported the special needs community within Walled Lake Schools.

• Love your child's bus driver? Nominate them.
• Love your child's Unified coach or buddy? Nominate them!

Nominees can be anyone associated with the special needs community: teacher (including case manager or resource teacher), paraeducator, social worker, physical therapist, speech and language pathologist, bus driver, aide, buddy, parent, coach, volunteer, etc. Some of the qualities of the nominee might include: a positive attitude, dedication, dependability, self-motivation, helpfulness and more.

Nominate a Shining Star! | Questions? Contact us at: WalledLakePAC@gmail.com

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.

Taste, toast and take action to eliminate hunger!

• Wednesday, March 11
• 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Hosted by the Sheraton Detroit Novi (211 Haggerty Road, Novi)
• Tickets: $75 per person | $700 for a table of ten
• Ticket includes appetizers, dinner, dessert, beer and wine
• Get your tickets now!

The Special Services Parent Advisory Committee is sponsoring an Inclusion event in an effort to increase awareness of Unified Sports & Unified Champion Schools, further promote inclusion throughout the District, and celebrate Walled Lake Staff.

The highlight of the Inclusion event is a Unified basketball game featuring school administration and school board members supporting our Unified athletes. The event also includes appreciation stations for staff and educational sessions to inform and inspire the school community about the values and impact of Unified Sports.

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.

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 sign up 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.

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