Allyson Smith, Principal at Wacousta Elementary
September 11, 2026
Important Upcoming Dates
September 15: Picture Retake Day
September 15: NWEA Testing Begins
September 29: Dental Assessments
October 2: Homecoming
October 6: PTIA Meeting, 6:30 pm in the library
October 7: Student Count Day
October 9: No School - Staff Professional Development
October 16: Trunk or Treat, 5:30-7:00
Highlights and Happenings from Ms. Smith
This week may have been a short four-day week, but our Wacousta Comets packed a lot of learning into it! We completed our fall DIBELS testing, and we are excited to see that 5% more of our students are beginning the year at grade level compared to this time last year. That is a great reflection of the hard work our students and staff put in last year, as well as the work families did over the summer to keep learning going strong. We are proud of the progress we are seeing already, and we know it is just the beginning. Next week will be our first full week of school, so enjoy the weekend, get some rest, and we'll see everyone ready to go on Monday!
Big Dreams, Small Steps!
This month, our school-wide focus is on safety, belonging, and goal setting. Throughout the week, our morning announcements focused on what it means to create a sense of belonging and the important role each of us plays in making Wacousta a place where everyone feels welcome. Students were challenged to take small steps to help others feel like they belong by doing things like smiling at a classmate, inviting someone new to play, helping a classmate who needs it, or simply noticing when someone might need a friend. Small actions can make a big difference, and we are encouraging our Comets to look for everyday opportunities to build connections and make sure everyone knows they are an important part of our school community. Ask your child what they did this week to create a sense of belonging at school.
PTIA Fall Fundraiser
OUR FALL FUNDRAISER HAS STARTED! This fundraiser has a huge impact on ALL students at Wacousta Elementary by reducing field trip costs for all students and funding events like Trunk or Treat and Family Fun Night. It also helps supply the school with needed materials and much more! All students who register automatically receive a custom-designed 2-inch Grand Ledge water bottle sticker. Any student who raises $60 or more will receive a high-quality, waterproof Grand Ledge drawstring bag. Click this link to register, or text code "Wacousta26" to 33100. Thank you for your support in reaching our $25,000 goal!" Check out the PTIA Fall Fundraiser.
Save the Date: Curriculum Night
Mark your calendars for Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 29, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. This evening is designed for parents and caregivers, so please plan to leave students at home. We’ll spend the hour sharing more about teaching and learning at Wacousta, including everything from literacy and math to social-emotional learning, special areas, and more. We look forward to giving families a closer look at the learning experiences and instructional practices happening in our classrooms each day.
Picture Retakes
Retakes are on Tuesday, September 15. Submit this Retake Form only if your child needs their school picture retaken. Students who did not have their picture taken at Open House are already on our list. Please note that original picture packets must be returned to us by retake day. School pictures taken at our Open House are available for you to view and order online. Please check your email from our school photographer, Geskus, for your access.
M-STEP
If your child took the M-STEP at Wacousta as a 3rd grader last year, they will be getting their results today. The M-STEP is a state-mandated standardized test intended to show a student's performance on grade-level standards in literacy and mathematics. If you have any questions about the report, please reach out to your child's teacher.
Section 504 Changes
If your child currently has a Section 504 plan, or at some point you want your child to be considered for one, you will now need to reach out to our district 504 Coordinator, Tricia Brentar, at: brentart@glcomets.net. This is a change from last school year. She will be the one scheduling, writing, and revising 504 plans. Wacousta staff will help to ensure that any accommodations listed in a 504 plan are implemented.
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 Volunteer Application to complete the process. Please note: the background check takes a few days to process, so submit your application in advance based on your volunteer plans.
Cell Phones and Watches
The use of cell phones, smart watches, or any other ECD is prohibited 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.
Arrival & Dismissal: Help Us Keep Everyone Safe
Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we work through our arrival and dismissal routines. With the increased traffic around Wacousta Commons, we need everyone's help to keep our students, families, and staff safe. We understand that mornings can be busy and that you may be trying to get to Wacousta Commons quickly, but safety has to come first. Please help us by following these important expectations:
No passing on the driveway into Wacousta off of Herbison. This is a no-passing lane for everyone's safety. Please remain in the traffic lane, even when you are in a hurry.
Cars should remain on the blacktop and stay to the left of the red line in the parking lot. Please do not drive on the sidewalk.
Pedestrian traffic should remain on the sidewalks. If you must park and walk in, please use the Wacousta Commons sidewalks. Please do not walk through or around the carpool line. Walk along the Wacousta Commons sidewalk to the Dream Depot, and then enter the building through the "Gymnasium" entrance. We have had a significant amount of foot traffic moving around vehicles, and students and families are having to dodge cars. This creates an unsafe situation.
Park in a parking spot if you need to come inside or get out of your vehicle. If you need to get out of your car for any reason, please pull through the line and park in a parking spot. This allows traffic in the carpool line to continue moving safely.
Title I & Our Parent Compact
Wacousta Elementary is proud to partner with families through Title I. This is a federal program that provides additional resources and support to help ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed academically. An important part of Title I is our Parent and Family Engagement Compact, which outlines the shared responsibilities of the school, families, and students in supporting learning and student success. We believe the strongest partnerships happen when we work together, communicate openly, and share a commitment to helping every child grow.
Wacousta Spirit Wear
Looking for some Wacousta Spirit Wear? Check out our Wacousta Spirit Wear page for some new gear!
September 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.
Allyson Smith, Principal
Wacousta Elementary School
9325 Herbison Rd., Eagle, MI 48822 (517) 925-5940 FAX (517) 925-5970
