Families

Accidents

We make every effort to prevent student injury or accidents. Students are supervised at lunch and recess. If a serious accident occurs, children are brought to the office, and parents are notified.

If a child’s injury is serious and requires medical attention, we will use the emergency information provided on Skyward Family Access to contact a doctor or take the child to the hospital listed. The principal or a staff member will accompany the child until you arrive.

It is also important that all medical information is up-to-date and accurate. Please review your child’s emergency information annually and make any necessary updates.

Emergency Information and Custody Restrictions

Parents are required to complete and update student emergency information each year. It is important that this information is current. Students will not be released to anyone who is not listed in their emergency contact information unless a note from a parent is provided. Please talk with your child about what to do in an emergency. For example, where to go if your child arrives home and no one is home, or they lose their key.

If there are custody restrictions or legal documents that are pertinent, please make sure copies of these are provided to the main office. We must have court documents on file if there are custody restrictions.

Emergency Safety Drills

At Commerce Elementary, we have specific plans we follow in case of an emergency. As a staff, we review these procedures and plans at the beginning of the school year and periodically throughout the year. In the event of an emergency, parents are advised to remain calm and await notification via our Skyward text, phone or email communication system. Please ensure that your contact information is up to date in Skyward Family Access and that any new phone numbers or email addresses have been recorded. We adhere to emergency drill requirements and practice fire, tornado and lockdown procedures throughout the school year. Additionally, every classroom and office is equipped with an Emergency Management flip book that provides a detailed description of staff responsibilities for each emergency procedure.

Lockdowns

One of our emergency procedures is called a "lockdown."  This term is frequently used, but it has misconceptions associated with it. Please see the information below that explains the difference between day-to-day school security and a lockdown.

Daily Security Measures

• Exterior doors are always locked.
• Main Entry is used for all visitors.
• A video entry system is used to screen visitors before entrance.
• All visitors must sign-in in at the main office.
• Locked exterior doors occur on a daily basis and are not​ considered a “lockdown.”

Lockdown Procedure

• Determined necessary by the administrator.
• Used when an imminent threat is present inside or attempting to gain access inside the building.
• All students and adults secure themselves inside locked classrooms or offices and wait for first responders.
• Classroom activities and learning stop, lights are turned off, and students hide in classrooms out of view.
• No one is permitted to leave their classroom or office, including to use the bathroom or travel between classes.
• No one is permitted in or out of the building.

School Closings and Emergencies

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools uses the Skyward Family Access system to communicate school closings and emergency information. This system allows us to send emails, text messages and automated phone calls to families. Please make sure the contact information entered in Skyward Family Access is accurate and up-to-date. 

Information will also be posted on district social media accounts and website, as well as local news channels.

School Insurance

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools does not provide accident or dental insurance for students involved in school-related injuries. Students may enroll in an insurance program underwritten by an independent insurance agency. The necessary insurance forms are provided via the online registration (“First Day” packet), which parents complete on Skyward Family Access before the start of school. If you are interested in this insurance, please complete the form and return it by the specified deadline.

Morning Arrival Procedures

Bus Arrival

• Bus routes and bus stops are posted on Skyward Family Access in late August.
• Expect delays during the first two weeks of school while our students and drivers adjust to a routine.
• Buses arrive at Commerce around 8:50 a.m. Buses are done dismissing students by 8:55 a.m.
• Kindergartners and Junior Kindergartners are dismissed first. Then the other grades.
• Staff monitor and assist students, especially in the first few weeks of school.
• Students who ride the bus are never marked tardy, even if there is a bus delay.

Car Drop-Off Procedures

• Students should not arrive at school before 8:45 a.m. Staff are not available to supervise students prior to this time. 
• Please use caution during arrival and dismissal times. Our parking lot is a busy place, and we all play an important role in keeping our students safe.
• Remember to drive slowly and check for students and parents who may be walking through the parking lot. 
• Take turns, allowing cars from both directions to enter the parking lot.
• Make sure your child is prepared and ready to exit the car quickly.
• Please pull forward as far as possible.
• If your child is unable to exit the car by themselves, please park your vehicle and escort them to the main entry.
• Once your car reaches the designated drop-off area, you may proceed with the drop-off.
• Children should only exit curb-side. They should never cross in front/behind your car.
• Be aware of pedestrians and use caution when pulling away from the drop-off line. 
• Drop-off ends at 8:55 a.m. After this time, parents must escort children into school and sign him or her in at the main office. Students who are not in their classrooms at our official start time of 8:55 will be marked tardy.

Please note, we encourage families to take advantage of bus transportation for their child(ren). This eliminates congestion in our parking lot and ensures your child is on-time for school. Whenever possible, please use bus transportation instead of driving your child to school.

Dismissal Procedures

General Information

• Full-Day Dismissal Time: 4:00 p.m., Buses Depart at 4:07 p.m.
• Half Day Dismissal Time: 12:35 p.m., Buses Depart 12:35 p.m.
• Your child will only be released to you or a person authorized by you.
• Please notify the school if there are any changes to your child’s dismissal routine.

Bus Dismissal

• We begin loading buses at 3:55 p.m.
• Junior Kindergartners and Kindergartners are escorted to buses by staff and fifth-grade helpers for the first few weeks of school.
• Extra time and help are provided in the first few weeks of school (for all grades).
• Once we confirm all buses are loaded, they depart at approximately 4:07 p.m.

Cougar Carpool

IMPORTANT: If you will be picking your child(ren) up from school at dismissal, you will need to sign up for Cougar Carpool at the beginning of each school year.  

• Cougar Carpool will start at 3:50 p.m.
• Parents should enter the parking lot, following the route indicated (see above), and proceed to your assigned carpool area where your child is waiting.
• Cougar Carpool signs/numbers should be clearly displayed in passenger windows.
• Staff will check tags and signs to make sure students depart safely with the correct adult.
• Please exercise caution in the parking lot and refrain from using your cell phone.

Picking Up in the Main Office

Periodically, it may be necessary for you to pick-up your child. This must be done before 3:40 p.m. After that time, you should use the Cougar Carpool line.

Please note, if parents do not arrive on time to pick-up their child from school or children are returned to school by their bus driver, we will call the designated emergency contacts. If a parent has not arrived by 4:30 p.m., the child will go to Prime Time Care until a parent or emergency contact arrives. Parents will be charged for Prime Time Care services. 

Changes in Dismissal Routines

Please ensure that your child’s dismissal routine is clearly communicated to both your child and their teacher. If your child attends Prime Time Care, please also notify Mrs. Rabaut. If your child’s routine differs from day-to-day, please make sure you communicate this to your child’s teacher and your child. If you need to change your child’s routine at the last minute, please call our main office before 3 p.m. Do not rely on e-mail to contact your child’s teacher during the day. Our teachers are busy teaching and learning with our students and may not see your e-mail until after school. 

Please note, due to limited space on our buses, it is not possible for children to take the bus home with a friend. 

Bus Transportation

Please visit the Transportation webpage for information regarding bus transportation, bus routes, contact information and handbooks. 

If you have questions regarding your child’s school bus, please call the Transportation Department at (248) 956-3090. 

In late August, bus routes and stops will be posted on Skyward Family Access. Please be patient with bus routines at the beginning of the year. It takes some time before our buses get into an efficient routine. If buses are running late, you can call the Transportation Late Bus Hotline at (248) 956-5199. Information on buses that are more than 10 minutes late will be provided on this hotline.

Students are expected to behave in a manner that ensures their own safety and the safety of others. Respectful, kind and safe choices are expected. Please also refer to the Transportation Code of Conduct for more information. 

Due to space constraints, students are not allowed to ride to or from school on any bus other than their own. 

Class Parties and Birthday Celebrations

At Commerce, we strive to strike a balance between parties and celebrations, while also prioritizing time for learning. As a result, we try to minimize interruptions to teaching and learning.  We have a costume parade and a small class party on Halloween. All other class parties are at each teacher’s discretion. 

Additionally, we have a school policy regarding birthday treats and celebrations. We do not permit birthday treats, such as cupcakes, brownies, and candy. We encourage non-food items like pencils, stickers, or (our favorite) donating a book to your child’s classroom library. We also do not permit students to pass out birthday party invitations at school. This often leads to hurt feelings and causes distractions in the classroom. Student contact information is available in our school directory, produced by our PTA each year. 

Field Trips

Our teachers plan field trips throughout the school year that support learning. As gas prices increase, so have the prices for field trips. Our wonderful PTA often offsets some of the cost to decrease the cost for our families. We appreciate their generosity. We also have scholarships available for more expensive trips, like  5th-grade camp. If financial support is needed, please contact your child’s teacher or the principal. It is important to us that all children have the opportunity to attend field trips.

Parents are often asked to help chaperone field trips. Younger siblings are not permitted to attend field trips. Students who do not return permission slips for field trips will not be allowed to attend the field trip and will spend the day in an alternate classroom.

Healthy Snacks

At Commerce Elementary, we believe in promoting healthy eating habits. Research also indicates that a healthy diet will help students learn and focus. Conversely, research also suggests that unhealthy eating and “junk food” can impede learning. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy portions are encouraged.  Your child’s teacher will provide additional information about snacks. They will also notify you of any food allergy restrictions specific to your child’s classroom.

Lost and Found

Clothing or items that are misplaced are kept in our Lost and Found near the Main Office. Please note that it often takes a couple of days for lost items to be located in the Lost and Found. The Lost and Found is donated to charity at the end of each marking period. Please remind your child to check the Lost and Found periodically. Please label all clothing and personal items with your child’s first AND last name. 

Prime Time Care

Our Prime Time Care Program is available to any child in grades K-5. Prime Time Care starts at 6:30 a.m. and runs until school starts, and again after school until 6 p.m. Prime Time Care services will be available on all half days. For more information about Prime Time Care, please visit the Prime Time Care webpage.

PTA

We are very fortunate to have a dynamic and generous PTA at Commerce Elementary. We encourage you to become involved with this wonderful group of parents. Out PTA promotes many programs and initiatives that support learning at Commerce Elementary. There are also many special events throughout the year coordinated by the PTA. For more information, please visit the Commerce Elementary PTA webpage.

Recess

We value physical education and the social skills children develop while playing. Children have 20 minutes of recess each day, supervised by our recess paraeducators. This recess time is either before or after their lunchtime. They also have a 60-minute block recess once a week, during which our teachers participate in important collaboration meetings. Usually, children recess with students in their grade level. For example, 5th graders do not have recess with 1st graders. 

Please note, children will go outside for recess except when weather prevents this. During the winter, children will go outside unless the temperature (including the wind chill) is below zero or if the conditions are unsafe (like ice). Indoor recess will also occur when it is raining. Please make sure your child dresses appropriately for the weather.  

Recess Wear Guidelines

39 degrees or below:

• Winter coats required
• Hats, gloves/mittens required
• Boots and snow pants required

If students do not have boots or snow pants, they will have to stay on the blacktop during recess. Please label items with your child’s first and last name so lost items can be returned.

If your child is unable to participate in recess due to injury or illness, a note must be sent in to the teacher. These requests should be kept to a minimum since supervision will be in the office where we are unable to accommodate large numbers of students. No student will be allowed to stay in for recess for more than one day without a doctor’s note.

Special Events

Throughout the school year, we have many special events including musical performances, class parties, guest speakers, health and wellness initiatives, and so on.  Information regarding these events will be sent home via email and in our weekly school newsletter, the Commerce Connection. Please make sure you read this information thoroughly so you do not miss important reminders. We typically also utilize SignUp Genius to arrange for any parent volunteers that may be needed.

On the day of special events, we continue with our safety and security protocols and require our volunteers to sign-in. For events that are grade-level specific, we do not permit siblings to leave their classroom to attend these events. This is due to space constraints and to ensure siblings do not miss important learning in their own classroom.

Please note, during after-school events, parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their child and monitoring behavior. Children must be supervised at all times at after-school events like PTA activities.

Security

Our students’ safety is of primary importance to us. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools has a video entry system at each school. During school hours, visitors must enter through the main entry and use the video system. Simply press the button and state your name and purpose. Our secretaries will then allow you to enter through the doors on the far right. Upon entering the building, all visitors must sign-in at the main office. Please do not attempt to enter the building through any other doors. Please also be patient since our secretaries are often busy and there may be a slight delay during certain times of the day. 

For the security of our students and staff members, all entrances to the building will be locked during the entire school day. Please do not ask a student or a staff member to admit you into the building through other entrances or prop open doors. We appreciate your help in keeping our students safe.

Communication and Newsletters

The Commerce Connection newsletter is published weekly and sent via email. We also send out email reminders and notes throughout the week. Please make sure your e-mail address is accurately entered in Skyward Family Access.

If you lose or forget your Skyward Family Access login, please e-mail familyaccess@wlcsd.org and include your name, your child’s name, grade, school and your email address. Allow 2-3 days for a response. 

Contacting Staff

It is most convenient to contact teachers via email since they are unavailable to talk on the phone during the school day. However, we acknowledge that oftentimes, a phone or in-person conversation is more appropriate. If a situation arises that warrants an in-person meeting, we promise to make ourselves available. Our goal is always open communication and collaboration. 

Please understand that teachers are not available to speak with parents during arrival and dismissal times. During these times, teachers need to supervise students and help ensure procedures run smoothly. If you would like to meet with or talk with your child’s teacher, please make arrangements beforehand.

Phone Calls by Students

Children are allowed to call home only in cases of emergency or other extenuating circumstances. Telephone calls about forgotten items, such as lunches and homework assignments, or about after-school activities are discouraged. The child and the parent should take responsibility for making necessary arrangements before coming to school. 

Please note, students are not allowed to text their parent/guardian during the school day without staff permission. This includes the use of smartwatches to communicate throughout the school day. 

Process for Concerns

A strong home, school partnership is one of our core values at Commerce Elementary. As parents or guardians, we welcome your engagement and collaboration. When concerns arise, we ask that you assume positive intent and seek information first, before drawing conclusions. When you have a concern specific to your child(ren):

1. Contact the teacher or staff member involved first.  
2. Ask for information, express a concern and suggest a solution through a conversation or meeting.
3. Collaborate to generate a plan and agree on a timeline for resolving the issue.
4. Monitor and evaluate the success of your plan, making adjustments as needed.

After genuine collaboration and open communication with your child’s teacher, if a resolution cannot be reached, it is then appropriate to contact the principal. Working with the teacher and principal, generate a plan that meets the situation’s needs and agree on a timeline for trying the solution. If you are unable to agree to a solution at the building level, the principal will invite the next most appropriate administrator to join the process.

• Authorization to Administer Medication
• Criminal History Background Check

Food Allergies

Please note that several students at Commerce Elementary have life-threatening food allergies. To ensure the safety of children with food allergies, it is imperative that all students, parents, staff, and visitors adhere to the following procedures:

• Individual classrooms with children who have food allergies will also have appropriate restrictions (i.e. no peanuts, no dairy, etc.). These classrooms will have signs posted outside their door. Letters will also be sent home to parents.
• Teachers will have age-appropriate conversations with students about food allergies. It is important that classmates understand that their friends have serious allergies and that we need to work together to keep them safe. These discussions need reinforcement at home, too.
• Please consider food allergies when providing food for class parties or special events.
• Classrooms with food allergy restrictions will not be used for after-school classes or clubs.
• The cafeteria has a “Peanut/Nut Free” table for students with food allergies. Students with food allergies who require them to sit at this table are allowed to ask two friends to join them. Any students who sit at this table must have lunches that are peanut and tree-nut-free. A teacher or cafeteria para must check their lunch beforehand.
• All students with food allergies must provide medical documentation and appropriate medications to the main office. This is crucial to ensure our staff can respond quickly in an emergency. All necessary forms are available on our Health Information webpage

We appreciate your support to help minimize possible exposure for children with food allergies. The health, safety and well-being of each and every child at our school is of the utmost importance to us.

Head Lice (Pediculosis)

We make every effort to prevent the spreading of head lice. Please note that head lice is a nuisance and not an issue of cleanliness or hygiene. The incubation period for head lice is several days or weeks. Eggs hatch in 7-10 days. Maturity reached in two weeks. The period of communicability is until lice and viable eggs are destroyed. We rely on our families to report cases of head lice immediately so we can take the appropriate action to address this issue. When a case is reported, a letter will be sent home with children in that classroom. Students found to have head lice will be sent home at the end of the school day and not permitted to return to school until the first treatment is completed and all nits are gone. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is a nit free district.

Hearing and Vision Testing

Hearing and Vision testing is facilitated by the Oakland County Department of Public Health. Vision testing occurs in first, third and fifth grade. Hearing testing occurs in Kindergarten, second and fourth grade.

Immunization

Immunizations are required by law, and all student immunization records must be up-to-date. Routine vaccinations may be obtained through the Oakland County Health Department at no charge. Children not up-to-date on immunizations will be excluded from school. Immunization waivers are available in special circumstances.

Medication at School

School personnel are prohibited from administering any medication to students without the written permission of parents and proper medical documentation. We are also unable to administer over-the-counter medication like cough medicine or pain relievers.

The necessary forms are available on the district and school website, as well as in our main office. Medications must be in the original, labeled pharmacy container. It is important that we have the proper medications in case of an emergency. All medications must be picked up at the end of the school year by a parent.

Please do not send medication to school with your child or instruct your child to take medications during the school day without our knowledge. This policy protects students taking medications and also protects other students from inadvertently acquiring medication intended for someone else. 

At Commerce Elementary, strong school communities are built on partnership. Our volunteers play an important role in supporting students and enhancing the learning environment.

Purpose of Volunteering

Volunteering is intended to support student learning and success. Volunteers work in partnership with teachers to reinforce instruction, provide encouragement, and contribute to a positive classroom environment. All volunteer efforts should align with teacher direction and classroom goals.

Getting Started

To volunteer, please:

• Read and sign the Volunteer Protocol Acknowledgment.
• Complete a background check (required before volunteering), which is located under Important Forms.

Volunteer Expectations

Scheduling and Time Commitment

• Schedule all volunteer time in advance with the teacher
• Limit volunteer time to 30 to 60 minutes per week, unless otherwise arranged
• Arrive on time; notify the teacher if you are unable to attend
• Enter and exit quietly to avoid disrupting instruction

At School

• Sign in at the front office and wear a badge at all times
• Dress appropriately for a school setting
• Follow all staff directions and classroom procedures
• Keep cell phones off and avoid personal calls

Working with Students

• Support and encourage students with patience and kindness
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Do not evaluate students or manage discipline
• Avoid bringing younger children during volunteer time

Professional Expectations

Confidentiality and Conduct

• Do not discuss students or share information outside of school (FERPA)
• Do not take or post student photos without permission
• Follow all school policies regarding safety and respectful behavior

Boundaries

• Maintain a friendly, professional relationship with students
• Do not initiate contact with students outside of school
• Avoid being alone with a student in a private setting

Safety and Reporting

• Follow all emergency procedures and staff directions.
• Report any concerns about student safety, including suspected abuse or self-harm, immediately to school staff.

Field Trips

• Must be 21+ to chaperone
• Stay with assigned group and follow teacher expectations

Important Note

Volunteer opportunities are structured to support instruction while allowing equitable access for families. Consistent schedules and time limits help maintain a smooth and focused learning environment for all students.

Thank You!

Your time and support make a meaningful difference in our school. We appreciate your partnership in helping every student succeed.

Behavior Expectations

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive, school-wide framework implemented at our elementary school to foster a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment. By teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors, PBIS aims to promote social-emotional growth and academic success for all students. Our approach involves clearly defined expectations, consistent recognition of positive behavior, and supportive interventions to promote a positive environment. This collaborative effort among staff, students, and families fosters a community where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.

Commerce P.R.I.D.E. focuses on empowering students to demonstrate the following qualities in our school community. Persevering, Respectful, Inclusive, Dependable and Encouraging (P.R.I.D.E) are the Cougar Pillars for Success. The objective of this program is to support a school community where all students, staff, and families exhibit these identified qualities, fostering an environment that enables students to thrive both academically and socially.

Developing Consistent Behavior Expectations

Developing and teaching consistent behavior expectations is an integral part of our PBIS system. These expectations outline the standard of how students should conduct themselves in.

Discipline

From time to time, there are situations in which more formal disciplinary actions are necessary. In such cases, the teacher, staff member or principal will thoroughly investigate the incident. When necessary, disciplinary actions in accordance with the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools' Student Code of Conduct will be administered. Because each child and disciplinary incident is unique, the Code of Conduct provides a range of appropriate discipline actions. When determining disciplinary actions, several factors will be considered, including the severity of the incident, the child’s age, patterns of behavior or prior disciplinary issues, and the child’s individual needs. When warranted, parents will be contacted, and disciplinary actions will be communicated. Your support at home is appreciated. 

For confidentiality reasons, disciplinary actions for individual students will not be shared with other parents/guardians. Questions or concerns regarding student discipline should be directed to the teacher for classroom-level issues or to the principal for more serious matters.

Dress Code

Excerpt from the Student Code of Conduct

The following dress code has been adopted by all schools in Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, upon recommendation of the Student Code of Conduct Review Committee (including students, parents, teachers, counselors, administrators and bus drivers). It is explicitly recognized that circumstances may cause individual schools to modify their dress and appearance expectations. In those cases, parents and students will be provided notice in advance of the effective date of the changes.

Introduction

The purpose of the student dress code is to promote learning in the classroom by promoting student safety and ensuring that students, staff members and members of the educational community will not be distracted, harassed or intimidated by student dress. Students are expected to dress appropriately at all times. Inappropriate dress would consist of, but not be restricted to:

• Items that promote drugs, alcohol, or tobacco;
• Items with profane or sexually suggestive writing/pictures/images;
• Items that exhibit involvement in gangs or other organizations deemed to be in conflict with school policies and practices;
• Items that conflict with district policy or state law;
• Non-prescription sunglasses within classrooms;
• Going without shoes;
• Muscle shirts, tank tops, tube tops, mesh shirts, mini-skirts, spandex clothing, cut-off shorts, clothing with bare midriffs, revealing or suggestive clothing;
• Beach clothing;
• Chains, handcuffs, and other metal paraphernalia;
• Hats worn in school;
• Hoods worn up in school;
• Coats worn in classrooms (exceptions will be made where appropriate);
• Pants worn so undergarments are visible.

Questions regarding this dress code should be directed to your building principal.

In addition to the Dress Code described in the district Code of Conduct, please note the following Dress Code expectations at Commerce Elementary:

• Due to safety concerns, flip flops are not permitted. Sandals with a strap on the ankle are allowed.
• Hats, mittens/gloves, boots, and snowpants are required during the winter.

Personal Items and BYOD

The school is not responsible for any lost or misplaced personal items. Please use caution when permitting your child to bring expensive or sentimental items to school. Toys and/or individual video game devices should not be brought to school. Cell phones, iPads, smart watches, or tablets are not permitted during lunch, recess, or on our buses.

Classroom teachers may permit students to use personal devices for learning, in accordance with the district’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. These devices are only allowed in the classroom and for educational purposes.  The school and district are not responsible for damaged or missing devices. Teachers who utilize BYOD will send home additional information to parents. Unless a device is being used for educational purposes, students must leave their cell phones and tablets in their backpacks to avoid being a distraction. Smart watches may not be used for texting, accessing the internet, or playing games during the school day. If smart watches become a distraction, they will be stored in backpacks during the school day.

Classroom Placement

Each Spring, the staff at Commerce Elementary begins the thoughtful process of placing students in classrooms for the next school year. This process is lengthy and collaborative. Our goal is to ensure success for all our children. We carefully consider the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. Per Board of Education policy, the final decision regarding placement, including retention and promotion, rests with the principal. Specific teacher requests are not permitted. Once class placements are finalized, no changes will be made. We understand the importance of classroom placement and greatly appreciate the trust you place in our staff. 

Curriculum and Instruction

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools' elementary curriculum is aligned with the Michigan State Standards. Our instructional philosophy in literacy includes a balanced approach that includes reading workshop, shared reading, guided reading, conferring, word study, writing workshop, shared writing and vocabulary development. In mathematics, we utilize the Everyday Math (4th Edition) program as our core curriculum, supplemented with additional materials as needed. Science standards are explored using hands-on, interactive science kits in each elementary grade. Social Studies standards encompass the study of history, geography, civics, and economics.

Curriculum Night

Each September, our teachers hold Curriculum Nights for each grade level. At this time, an overview of the curriculum, class routines, and expectations are discussed. This event is for parents/guardians only. Specific dates and times for Curriculum Nights will be announced via email and the weekly school newsletter.

Homework

Homework assigned by teachers is typically a review of concepts previously taught. Students should be able to complete most homework assignments independently. If your child is struggling with homework, please contact your child’s teacher. Homework should not be a struggle, and we want to partner with you if your child is struggling at home.

Homework not only reinforces learning concepts, it is also a meaningful way to develop responsibility and organizational skills. Please help your child by creating a distraction-free space for them to complete their homework. Please also establish a routine and set aside time for homework each evening. 

Please refer to the additional information provided by your child’s classroom teacher regarding specific homework routines.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher Conferences occur once a year in the fall. It is important that parents/guardians attend these conferences to support their child’s education and promote communication. If you are unable to attend, please make arrangements with your child’s teacher for an alternate date/time or a phone conference.

Although Parent/Teacher Conferences occur once a year, we encourage you to maintain open lines of communication throughout the school year. Please do not hesitate to contact us whenever you have questions or concerns. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us! 

Report Cards

Report cards are prepared three times each year. All report cards will be made available for viewing on Skyward Family Access. The first report card is discussed at Parent/Teacher Conferences. Art, Music, and PE progress grades are also included in the report cards. Report cards are no longer printed, but may be viewed online.

Special Services

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools provides a wide range of educational programs for students who are academically and physically challenged, in accordance with state and federal laws. Programs through Special Services are tailored to each student's individual needs, in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. Support staff may include Speech-Language Pathologists, Teacher Consultants, School Psychologists, School Social Workers and Occupational Therapists.

Parents concerned about their child's education should first talk to the child's teacher. Each school also has an MTSS (multi-tiered system of support) team that meets to develop general education strategies to help students succeed.  If concerns continue after MTSS supports are put in place, it may be necessary to evaluate whether the student qualifies for special education programs and related supports and services. If the child is not yet in school and there are concerns about their development, parents should contact the Special Services office at (248) 956-2160.

The district also has procedures in place to comply with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For a student to qualify for Section 504 protection, the student must have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Please contact the principal for additional information on Section 504 evaluations and plans.

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

MTSS is a framework that schools utilize to provide tiers of support to students regarding both academic and social-emotional (or behavioral) needs. The key components of MTSS are:

• Implementation of research-based core instruction
• A problem-solving model that emphasizes collaboration
• Comprehensive data and assessment systems
• Quality intervention based on student needs

As noted above, a collaborative problem-solving model is a critical component of MTSS. At Commerce, we hold MTSS problem-solving meetings twice a month. These meetings provide a platform for teachers and parents to collaborate on addressing academic or behavioral issues that students are experiencing. The MTSS team works on identifying solutions to challenges that students are experiencing, whether they are struggling academically, exceeding grade-level academic expectations, or struggling socially, emotionally, or behaviorally.

The MTSS team consists of the principal, social worker, psychologist, teacher consultant, and the classroom teacher. Parents actively participate in this process. Often, parents are invited to a MTSS team meeting. During this meeting, our goal is to brainstorm solutions and create an action plan to support our children's success in school. This is a collaborative effort to help us address the needs of our children.