Allyson Smith, Principal at Wacousta Elementary
October 3, 2025
Important Upcoming Dates
October 7: PTIA Meeting at Wacousta 6:00 p.m.
October 10: Trunk-or-Treat 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
October 14: Picture Re-takes
October 31: Halloween Day Parade and Class Parties
Highlights and Happenings from Ms. Smith
This past week, Wacousta teachers spent time reviewing student data from the fall to see how our students are learning and growing. Together, they had intentional conversations about teaching and learning, and they set big goals for the year ahead. Examining data helps teachers ensure that instruction is focused on what students need most. I am excited to share more about this process and our fall data overview at the upcoming PTIA meeting.
Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, and we are excited to celebrate together at Wacousta! Please take note of the following details to help the day go smoothly:
Costumes: Costumes should be school-friendly — not too scary, no weapons or blood of any kind, and no full-face makeup. Costumes should be easy for students to put on and take off independently, as it will be difficult for staff to assist every student. We also ask that costumes can fit over school clothes so students can easily change in the classroom.
Parties: Class parties will take place from 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Your child’s teacher will share specific details about activities and treats for their classroom celebration. To ensure that classrooms have enough space for games and activities, and to help our front office staff check in visitors smoothly and safely, volunteer spots will be limited to four per classroom. All volunteers must have completed the “Volunteer Application” process to work with students. The application can be found on the district website under the “Family & Student Resources” tab.
Parade: Our all-school parade will begin at 2:45 p.m. Families are invited to join us outside to watch. In the case of inclement weather, the parade will take place in the gym. Only students and staff will be allowed to re-enter the building after the parade.
Parking: Please park in the old school lot, by the gym entrance.
Dismissal: If you plan to take your child home after the parade, you must indicate with the office that they will be parent pick-up. Students identified as pick-up will be dismissed from their classrooms at normal release time to go to parent pick-up. *Special Note: To ensure a safe and efficient end-of-day dismissal, no early releases will take place between the end of the parade and the all-school dismissal times.
In an effort to make pick-up go smoothly, please do not park in the pick-up line and get out of your car to get your student. Staff will bring your student to your vehicle. Please be sure to place your student(s) name(s) on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper in your car window.
We’re looking forward to a fun and festive afternoon with our students and families!
School Pictures
School picture packets were sent home on Thursday. If you did not order pictures, your child should still have received a proof booklet. Orders can still be placed online with your web code. If you need assistance, GPI can be reached at 1-800-473-3885. Picture retake day is scheduled for October 14. If you ordered prints but are planning to have your child do a retake, you must send in the original order before retake day.
A Note from Parents and Teachers in Action (PTIA)
Wacousta is excited to share the results of our final fundraising efforts! A huge thank you goes out to the Wacousta staff who rallied at the end to help spread the word, and to all the families who supported this initiative.
Total Raised: $13,496
Top Fundraising Classes:
BK/K – Heiler ($1,230)
1st Grade – Parsons ($1,180)
2nd Grade – Dufresne ($805)
3rd Grade – Sewick ($1,230)
4th Grade – O’Brien ($1,305)
These classes have earned a pizza party. Dates will be coordinated directly with their teachers.
In total, 139 students participated in the fundraiser, which is about 34% of the school!
Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your generosity directly supports our students, classrooms, and school community, helping us provide meaningful experiences and opportunities for all.
Trunk-or-Treat!
The PTIA is excited to put on this event for a 3rd year! It will be held on October 10th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. This event is meant to be a time to bring our school community together. If you would like to sign up for a parking space, please click on this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050449A4AF29A0FE3-58732397-trunk. There will be a $50 Amazon gift card awarded to the best-decorated car!
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
9325 Herbison Rd., Eagle, MI 48822 (517) 925-5940 FAX (517) 925-5970
