October 2, 2026
Important Upcoming Dates
October 4: Dream Depot Anniversary 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
October 6: PTIA Meeting, 6:30 pm in the library
October 7: Student Count Day
October 9: No School - Staff Professional Development
October 16: Snack Shop
October 16: Trunk or Treat, 5:30-7:00
October 30: Halloween Parade, Details Forthcoming
Highlights and Happenings from Ms. Smith
We’re down to the final few days of our Rally Up Fall Fundraiser, and I’d love for our Wacousta families to help us finish strong!
Our goal is to raise $25,000, and every dollar raised goes directly back to our students and teachers. This support helps make field trips possible, provides teachers with supplies and classroom resources, and funds fun experiences and events for our students throughout the year.
We’re currently at 30% of our goal. There is still plenty of room for our Wacousta community to help us raise the bar toward meeting our goal. Whether your family can make a large contribution or a small one, every bit makes a difference.
There are some fun incentives for our students too! Every student who registers will receive a custom-designed 2-inch Grand Ledge water bottle sticker. And students who raise $60 or more will receive a high-quality, waterproof Grand Ledge drawstring bag.
Thank you for supporting Wacousta and helping us provide our students with opportunities, experiences, and a school experience they will remember. Let’s rally together and finish strong!
Click this link to register, or text code "Wacousta26" to 33100. Thank you for your support! Every little bit helps.
Counselor’s Connection
Over the past few weeks, our classroom counseling lessons focused on taking care of our mental health and building everyday coping skills. Here is a quick look at what your students learned:
☸Taking Care of Our Mental Health (4th grade):
Continuing our talks on keeping our minds and feelings healthy, just like our bodies.
☸Circle of Control (3rd grade):
Learning to focus our energy on things we can control (our words, choices, and effort) rather than things we can’t (the weather, other people's actions).
☸Problem-Solving (1st and 2nd):
Practicing how to spot small vs. big problems and picking smart solutions like ignoring, walking away, and talking it out.
☸Zones of Regulation (BK/K and 1st):
Identifying our feelings and energy levels using four colors – Blue (“moving slow” sad/tired), Green (“good to go” - calm/happy/focused), Yellow (“starting to lose control” frustrated/excited), and Red (“out of control” angry/overwhelmed). We emphasized that all zones are okay!
Counselor’s Tip for Parents: Normalize Feelings
Make "Emotion Check-Ins" a daily habit: Create regular opportunities in your normal daily routine to talk about feelings or the four Zones. (Click here for a Zones poster to guide the conversation).
Name and validate their feelings: Children often express their feelings through behavior rather than words. When you notice your child feeling uncomfortable feelings, try saying, "I see your body… (i.e. tight/restless/moving slow). It's okay to feel angry/irritated/disappointed. I'm here. We can work through this together." Validating their emotions teaches them that all feelings are okay!
Trunk or Treat
Come join us for a night of fun at our annual “Trunk-or-Treat” event on Friday, October 16th, from 5:30-7:00 pm. This year we are moving the event inside the gated area by the Dream Depot. Families can sign up to host a space by clicking on this sign-up link where you’ll find more information. Prizes will be awarded to the top decorated trunk/tailgate/tent!
Snack Shop
Snack Shop is back by popular demand! On the third Friday of every month, students can purchase a variety of allergy-friendly snacks from a mobile snack cart. All items will cost $1. Students will be able to purchase up to 3 items. A new payment option this year will allow families to pay for the entire year of Snack Shop up front, if they choose to! Please see the announcement sent home with your child for additional information. Contact WacoustaGLPTIA@gmail.com with any questions. The first Snack Shop will be Friday, October 16th.
GLEAP - Christmas Food Baskets
The Grand Ledge Emergency Assistance Program (GLEAP) is currently taking applications for its annual Christmas Food Basket program. This program is for families who live in the Grand Ledge School District. Please click on the link below for the application. Once completed, please return it to your child’s classroom teacher or submit it to the office.
GLEAP Christmas Food Basket
Lunch Helpers
We still have plenty of opportunities available for lunchtime help. If you haven’t had a chance to sign up as a lunch volunteer, please click on the link below; we’d love to have you! Lunch Time Help
Volunteering & Chaperoning
Anyone hoping to volunteer for Grand Ledge Public Schools is 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 the district website and complete the District Volunteer Application to complete the process. Please note: the background check takes a week to process, so submit your application in advance based on your volunteer plans.
Cell Phones and Watches
The use of cell phones, smartwatches, or any other ECD, are prohibited to be used during the school day. It is recognized that some students may need access to these devices for transportation purposes after school and therefore use is permitted after dismissal. During school, however, cell phones, smartwatches, and other ECDs shall be turned off and stored away out of sight. If you are concerned that an electronic device might be stolen, broken, or inappropriately used, please do not allow your student to bring it to school.
Wacousta Spirit Wear
Looking for some Wacousta Spirit Wear? Check out our Wacousta Spirit Wear page for some new gear!
October Lunch Menu
Please check out the monthly lunch menu at grandledge.nutrislice.com. The website includes breakfast and lunch menus for all district buildings. You can check for nutritional information, filter allergens, and translate the menu into 50+ languages! We currently provide free breakfast and lunch.
Upcoming Events, District News, & Community Information
To review what the school district shares in newsletters about events, news, and information, please visit http://GLcomets.net/Upcoming.
Allyson Smith, Principal
Wacousta Elementary School
