Allyson Smith, Principal at Wacousta Elementary
September 3, 2026
Important Upcoming Dates
September 4 and 7: No School - Labor Day Weekend
September 15: Picture Retake Day
October 6: PTIA Meeting, 6:30 pm in the library
October 7: Student Count Day
October 9: No School - Staff Professional Development
Highlights and Happenings from Ms. Smith
Our Comets are settling into routines and getting into the rhythm of learning. It has been wonderful to see students becoming more comfortable in their classrooms and throughout the building as our school community continues to come together.
It was also exciting to see so many parents at our first PTIA meeting. We were able to wrap up some old business and begin planning all of the fun and exciting things PTIA has in store for our students and families this year. We are so grateful for the continued partnership and support of our Wacousta families. Please know all families are invited to attend with no commitment attached. Just pop in and learn what it’s all about. The next PTIA meeting is October 6 at 6:30 pm.
As we head into the long weekend, I hope everyone has an opportunity to slow down and recharge. We are off to a fantastic start, and I am excited about all that is ahead for our students this year.
2026-2027 School Theme: Big Dreams, Small Steps!
This year at Wacousta, we are dreaming BIG and taking SMALL STEPS together! Each month, we will focus on an important skill that helps our students grow not only as learners, but also as responsible, caring, and successful members of our school community. Every classroom will participate in activities, read-alouds, and challenges connected to our monthly focus skill. As students and classes complete these activities, they will take another small step up our Wacousta Mountain by moving their classroom hiker along the trail.
In August, our focus skill is Responsibility. Students read Our Class Is a Family, completed our PBIS lessons, and then placed their classroom hiker on the mountain. In September, we will focus on Safety, Belonging, and Goal Setting. Students will read All Are Welcome, set a personal goal, and have the opportunity to be recognized as a Comet Goal Getter on our morning announcements. Each month will bring a new opportunity to learn, grow, and take another step toward our Big Dreams. We can't wait to see how far our Comets climb this year!
A Reminder from the Art Room
We often get into messes in our art studio, as it should be, and parents may not want those messes on students' clothing items. If you are concerned about your child getting paint or other art materials on their clothing, please send an old shirt or paint smock to keep in their locker for art days. It will be their responsibility to put it on before they come to art. I will communicate this with classroom teachers so they are aware that students need to grab their paint shirt from their locker before they head down to the studio. Thank you for your support of our Wacousta Art Studio and Welcome Back! -Mrs. Parsons
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, walk along Wacousta Commons to the sidewalk by the Dream Depot, and then enter through the gym entrance. Please do not walk through or around the carpool line. We have 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.
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes are scheduled for September 15. School pictures taken at our Open House are now available for you to view and order online. Please check your email from our school photographer, Geskus, for your access. All students who did not have an opportunity to have their picture taken at Open House, or who would like a retake, will have their picture taken on the 15th.
ParentSquare Notifications
If you choose to use ParentSquare Messenger to send notifications to the office, please create a "group" message (in the message drop-down options) to both Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Nichols so that we are sure one of us receives your communication. Please also identify your student's teacher in your notifications.
You may also continue to send notifications via email. Again, please be sure to include both Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Nichols, and identify your student's teacher.
If you call in a notification for your student and we are unable to pick up the line, please leave a message when directed to our voicemail.
As a reminder, the deadline for end-of-day transportation changes is 2:30 p.m.
Mrs. Johnson: johnsont@glcomets.net
Mrs. Nichols: nicholsd@glcomets.net
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
