June 6, 2025

Dear Wacousta Students, Families, and Community Members, 

It is incredibly hard to believe that our year has come to an end.  I cannot even begin to thank you for not only the support this year, but over the past 30 plus years at GLPS.  We have something special here in particular at Wacousta and it is my hope the tradition of community and family continues for many years to come.  

It is your dedication to our; students, staff, and community members that we share this special bond.  I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our amazing PTIA for all of their hard work and dedication in making this a special place to be.   

I was so touched last Friday that the students and staff were able to send me off with such a special heartfelt assembly.  It was not my intent to leave before today but as I have always preached to our staff and community FAMILY FIRST!  I have been able to help my family members in Oregon as they are going through some difficult times but am comforted to know that Team Wacousta continued on this week with all the traditions of; picnics, field day, and Hot Dog cook out day!  

Fourth grade students moving on to Hayes, you are a special group of young people and have taught me more than you will ever know.

I hope to visit my second home next year and help out in anyway possible to support the new principal and share with he/she how lucky they are to be part of a community that is second to none!  

As we head into summer break, please take the time to rest and enjoy quality family time whenever it allows.  These years go by too fast and memories can be simple yet so meaningful.  

Wacousta will always be in my thoughts and prayers and may God Bless you with health, happiness, and the gift of family and community!  REMEMBER AS ALWAYS WACOUSTA IS OPEN FOR ALL!!!!

Take care and I hope to see you soon, 
Chris Groves
Principal, Wacousta Elementary

Wishing everyone a safe and restful summer break!
Here are a few dates you can add to your calendars for the start of the 25/26 school year:
August 18 - Kindergarten Launch 3:00-5:00 p.m.
August 19 - Kindergarten Launch 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
August 21 -  Open Houses:   Kindergarten (K) 4:30-6:30 p.m.
                                                       Elementary (1-4) 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

There are many languages in which we can say goodbye and farewell, but non really capture the heart of saying good bye at Wacousta. The ending of this school year brings with it the ending of service for many of our treasured Wacousta staff:  Mindy Clark - Reading Teacher Assistant, Chris Chapman - Classroom Teacher Assistant, Trudy Strouse - 4th Gr. Teacher, Julie Scheiding - 4th Gr. Teacher, Melissa Hinojosa - Gym Teacher, and our cherished Principal Chris Groves.

Thank you Chris G., Mindy, Trudy, Julie, Melissa, Chris C.  You've made a huge impact on so many of our youth during your years of service here.  Well done, and Happy Trails to You!!

With these endings will also be new beginnings.  You will see new faces for the 25/26 school year in all 3 of our 4th grade classrooms as Mr. Dinsmore is transitioning to our Gym Teacher position.  Melissa HinojosaWe will also be introducing new leadership in the principal's role. We wish all of our staff making the transition to retirement or a new job position for 25/26 all the best, for good health and good will moving forward.  And we look forward to the new beginnings in the fall.  Have a safe and blessed summer everyone.  See you on August 26th!

If you have a neighbor or friend with a child that turns 5 by December 1st, and the family lives within the Grand Ledge Public School District, please share this link so they can get their child enrolled as soon as possible for the 25/26 school year.  https://www.glcomets.net/

Are you moving your child out of the GLPS district?  If you know your child will not be attending Wacousta next year, please contact our office at 517-925-5940, and enroll them in their new school district as soon as possible. Once enrolled, the new school will send us a request for your child's records.  Your child's new school will require their school records from us to complete their enrollment. 

Have you changed your address or phone number?  Please send us an email request to update your address, along with a proof or residency, or your new phone number contact.  Thanks for your cooperation in helping us to keep our contact information for your child up to date.

Sending out a special thanks to all of our parents who have volunteered throughout the year for field trips, as lunch volunteers, and special event classroom parties.  Your generous donation of time and/or classroom items helps us to make the school experience so very special for our kids throughout the year. You're the best!

Special thanks are also being extended by Mr. Dinsmore, Mr. Hurth, and Mrs. Hinojosa to this year's Field Day volunteers. We couldn't do it without you!  So a big Thank You to everyone who came in and participated in making it a successful event for all the students!

To volunteer in any of the building in the school district an application must be completed each year.  The Volunteer Registration Form can be found on the district web site in the parent and student resource tab, or you may click on this link:  https://www.glcomets.net/family-and-student-resources/

If you did not order a year book for your student and would like to get one there's still time to order one direct from gekus. Here is the link where you can order it:  https://www.geskusphoto.com/yearbookorders

If you plan to volunteer at Hayes next year, or if you need to be in the Hayes building for an extended period of time next year (including field trips or field days), you must complete a volunteer application. This is a required step for all volunteers. 

Please note: the background check takes a few days to process, so submit your application in advance based on your volunteer plans. Once approved your application expires in 365 days.  You will need to reapply to continue to volunteer each year.

If your student will be moving to a different school next year, be sure to select both their current school and the school they’ll be attending.

For example: If your child is currently in 4th grade at Wacousta and will attend Hayes next year, select Wacousta and Hayes on the application. This ensures you’ll be cleared to volunteer at both locations when needed. Applications are valid for one calendar year. 

2025-26 School year medication paperwork:  New medication paperwork is required each school year for any medication to be stored and administered during the school day.  All medication is considered medication whether prescription or over the counter.

When you visit your doctor, please have them write prescriptions for the 25-26 school year, dated after July 1st. This helps ensure that no rescue or other medication expires during the school year.

Please be sure all signatures are provided on forms (physician and parent) prior to bringing medication and forms to the school. 

Medication should be brought to us in the original container and with a label or prescription label that matches the medication authorization.

Medication Forms:   Medical forms can be found on the district’s webpage here:  Medical Forms

Medication Authorization Form

Self Carry/Self Administration Form

Food Allergy Action Plan

Food Allergy History 

Asthma Action Plan 

Asthma Health History 

Seizure Action Plan

Monday, Aug. 25 - No School
Tuesday, Aug. 26 - TBD
Wednesday, Aug. 27 - TBD
Thursday, Aug. 28 - TBD
Friday, Aug. 29 - No School
Everyday Option:  TBD

Watch our newsletter for updates, upcoming events, and how you can get involved with P.T.I.A.  Our parent teacher organization always has plenty of opportunities for you to participate with your student(s) school and to support our teaching staff and building needs.  You can reach out directly by emailing: ptiawacousta@gmail.com. You can also follow the Wacousta Elementary School PTIA on Facebook.

Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, in the media center. Childcare is provided by NHS. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Please continue to collect Box Tops for Education! This program is completely online now. To get the app please go to www.Boxtops4education.com

The emergency clothing closet is in short supply.  We are in need of snow pants in sizes for 3rd and 4th aged boys and girls.  If your student comes home with borrowed clothing from the emergency clothing closet, please wash the items and return to the school so that they can be reused. Thank you for your cooperation.

Thank you to everyone who volunteers for our lunch time help!  You are so greatly appreciated during this busy time of the day.  If you haven't had a chance to volunteer previously, we are still in great need of support each day.  Please consider donating a few hours of time for the 25/26 school year. You can sign-up using this link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B45A5A723AAF58-57028971-lunch#/

The office staff keeps track of end of day transportation and attendance.  When there is a bus route cancellation please call the school office PH: 517-925-5940 to identify your students end of day mode of transportation.  This will aide staff in getting your student to the correct station, bus loop or parent pickup loop, at the end of the day.  All students must be picked up by 4:05 p.m.

If your student will be absent due to a bus cancellation and an inability to transport them we do not assume the reason for the absence.  Please call the office to exuse the student .

Thank you for your cooperation when we experience staff shortages and bus cancellations.

The Old Newsboys Association of Greater Lansing is a nonprofit charitable organization whose sole purpose is to provide footwear to needy school children. This includes well fitting school shoes, warm boots and socks. For, assistance and to obtain a request for footwear form, please contact our office.

Persons wishing to volunteer for Grand Ledge Public Schools are required to complete the Volunteer Registration Form and be approved prior to serving as a volunteer.  All volunteers MUST check in at the office to receive a BADGE prior to proceeding to any other area on school property.  Please visit District Volunteer Application to complete the process.

It is of great importance that we have current contact information in order to reach you during emergency situations, school closures, for important updates on changes to a daily school schedule, and for communications such as our "Weekly Newsletter".

Have you moved, new address?  Do you have a new cell phone number or email address?  Please verify you and your students information by using this link for directions on how to update your information.  School Messenger Settings Guide.  Please use the link at the very bottom of the help guide to update your changes.  Thank you for always keeping us in contact with you and your student!

For security purposes, if you need to enter the building during school hours, i.e. late drop off, early pick-up, etc., please use the office entrance located at 9325 Herbison.  The gym door access will be locked during school hours.

Families, at the very bottom of this newsletter there is a link that says "view entire message".  Please be sure to click on this link to fully receive all of the information shared with you by the district.  This area of the newsletter provides information on community resources and activities such as: Food Banks, Community Meals, GLEAP Christmas Food Baskets, Grand Ledge Emergency Assistance Program, The Grand Ledge Shopping Tour.

Parents, in order to keep traffic moving please do not get out of your vehicle when waiting for your student while in the parent pick-up traffic line.  We have staffing to help direct traffic to prevent back-ups.  If your student needs your assistance to get in the vehicle please pull out of the traffic lane, park in the parking area and walk up to get your student. Thank you for your cooperation.

School Start Time:  8:55 a.m.
School Dismissal Time:  3:55 p.m.
Half-Day Dismissal Time:  12:10

When calling in for any reason for your student, please identify the student by first and last name, grade, classroom teacher, and the reason you are calling.  Please leave a voicemail if we are unavailable.  If you are communicating via email, please send the message to both Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Nichols to ensure one of them gets your message.  Thank you for helping us get to know you and your family!

Mrs. Johnson:      johnsont@glcomets.net
Mrs. Nichols:  nicholsd@glcomets.net Office Phone:        517-925-5940

School Arrival: Class starts at 8:55 a.m.
Students may not be dropped off prior to 8:40 a.m. since we do not have supervision available. If your student will be getting breakfast it is important that they arrive at the drop off time and go directly to the cafeteria.  Arriving late causes a disruption to the classroom schedule for the other students.  Please be courteous.

Lunch Late Arrivals:  If you know your child is going to be arriving late and will need a school lunch please call the school office at: 517-925-5940 by 9:15 a.m. Lunch count gets submitted to our food service staff for preparation at 9:30 a.m.

School Dismissal:  School ends at 3:55 p.m.   All students should be picked up no later than 4:05 p.m.

Half-day Dismissal:  Is at 12:10 p.m.

Bus Riders: Will be escorted to their busses. 

Parent Pick Up Drive Thru Lane: If you are using the parent pick up drive thru to pick up your student(s), please remember to post your students name in your car window.  Staff will get your student(s) to you.

Parent Pick-Up/Bus Changes:  If your student is an everyday bus rider and you are planning to  pick-up your child after school, or change from parent pick-up to riding the bus, please call the school office no later than 2:00 p.m.  We distribute the pick-up lists to teachers and staff at this time and are unable to accommodate last minute changes after the cut off time.

Early Pick-Up:  If you need to pick your student up early for an appt. etc. please call the office when you are about 10 minutes out from arriving at the school so we can try to have them in the office and ready to go.  Please also be aware that it gets very busy at the end of the school day.  If you're going to be picking your student up early please plan to do that before 3:30 to avoid end of day traffic and office congestion.

 ~Thank you very much for your cooperation!

To report a positive Covid case, please complete the Covid Reporting Form.

All medication needs to be brought to school by a parent/guardian.  This includes all over the counter medication (cough drops, Tylenol, etc).  Prescription and over the counter medications require a doctors order for the school to administer them, that includes creams or lotions. You will find medication documents at this link: medication and health information Click on School Health Information and Forms.

Due to the number of life-threatening allergies we have in our building, we respectfully request that you do not send in any type of food for birthday treats.  Mr. Groves celebrates each child by announcing their name during the morning announcements and he personally presents them with a birthday pencil.

You are welcome to bring in a non-edible treat for your child's classmates such as a pencil or sticker, but they may not include any type of gum or candy attached to them. Out of respect for individual circumstances please note that not all families may be able to do something like this.

We also request that you do not send birthday invitations to school.  If you would like an address list, please request a classroom directory.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Please mark your student(s) clothing and keep an eye out for missing clothing and personal items:  jacket, hat, gloves, water bottle, lunch box.  Marking items helps us to reunite students with their items. Our lost and found area fills up quickly.  Stop in to reclaim items your student may have misplaced as soon as possible. Items that are not claimed after a few months will be donated to a local clothing bank.

Absences:  If your student will be absent and cannot attend school it is your responsibility to notify the school office, whether it is for illness, vacation, or personal reasons. Please call: 517-925-5940 with your students first and last name, teacher name, and if the student is ill please also include the symptoms, such as: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, cough, congestion, pink eye, etc.  The detailed information is needed for our weekly health report.

If we are unavailable to answer the phone, please leave a voice mail. You may also email the notification. Please include both Mrs. Johnson (johnsont@glcomets.net) and Mrs. Nichols (nicholsd@glcomets.net) in all email communication to ensure one of them gets the message.  Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Absence Due to Illness: Student's must be 24 hours fever, vomiting or diarrhea free before returning to school.  If they are diagnosed with a contagious illness, such as pink eye or strep, they must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before they can return to school.

Absence Due to Dr. Visit:  If your student is absent due to a dr. visit, or illness that involved a dr. visit, please send in a copy of the dr. note indicating the dr. excused absence with included dates. Dr. excused absences do not go against the student's attendance record. Thank you for your cooperation.

Truancy:  How many days of school can you miss before truancy in Michigan?  Truant means a child who has ten (10) or more unexcused absences per school year.  Once a student is deemed truant, a child shall be monitored throughout the school year by the county until improved attendance is consistent.  

Studies have shown that students who are  chronically absent, missing 10 or more days in a school year, may experience low success rates in math and reading by grade 3. Many absences are excused due to illness., but they still add up to lost time in the classroom.  Please be conscientious of your student(s) attendance.