
Waukazoo Newsletter
April 28, 2023
Important Dates:
May 2 & 4 = 5th Grade M-Step Testing
May 8 & 10 = 4th Grade M-Step TestingZoo News
Assemblies Coming to Waukazoo:
Waukazoo’s PTA has arranged several assemblies before the end of the school year. The following special events will be held for all Waukazoo students:
May 19 - Super U!
June 8 - The Critter BarnAuthor Visit:
Author Kelly J. Baptist visited Waukazoo today (April 28, 2023). This was a makeup date from her canceled event (due to a snowday back on March 10). Thank you to the Waukazoo PTA for arranging this event.
Two presentations were held where students learned about the books, “Isaiah Dunn in My Hero” or “The Electric Slide and Kai”.
Online Registration:
PBIS @ Waukazoo:
Waukazoo will be continuing to utilize Waukazoo Pride Tickets this year. These tickets recognize students for being Respectful, Responsible, Ready to Learn, or demonstrating Waukazoo Family Pride. Our goal this year is to reach 12,500 tickets this year. If the building reaches that goal the students will be in for a special surprise and a treat. Let’s go kids!
Pride Tickets to Date = 11,145 and counting
M-Step Information:
The M-Step, as explained below, is a state assessment and is given to all West Ottawa elementary students in grades 3-5. 5th grade began this week and will continue the week of May 1. 4th grade testing will follow the week of May 8.
The M-STEP is a 21st Century online test given for the first time in the Spring of 2015. It is designed to gauge how well students are mastering state standards. These standards, developed for educators by educators, broadly outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training, and college.
M-STEP results, when combined with classroom work, report cards, local district assessments and other tools, offer a comprehensive view of student progress and achievement. For additional information, click State Assessment in Michigan: What it is, What it means - And What it Offers.Upcoming Construction at Waukazoo:
Reminders About 8:30am Student Drop-Off:
Zoo Staff Spotlight
Meet Señora Dillon!
Hola! My name is Señora Dillon and I teach Spanish here at Waukazoo! I knew since third grade I wanted to be a teacher. I would ask for workbooks and teacher supplies for my birthday and Christmas! I’ve enjoyed teaching Spanish for over 15 years. After graduating from GVSU, I spent two years in Guadalajara, Mexico teaching English as a Second Language. While there I continued to study and practice Spanish.
My four year old son is my world! We love gardening and growing fruits and vegetables. This summer we want to grow carrots! I have two rescue dogs that keep our house lively! Their names are Scarlett and Fremont. They are a Corgi mix. I hope someday to visit Machu Picchu in South America!
Meet Mr. Metz!
My name is Brian Metz and this is my 10th year teaching at West Ottawa. I spent my first 3 years at the high school & middle school level teaching a variety of physical wellness / health classes. I then transitioned to the elementary level and taught at Woodside Elementary for two years before I ended up at Waukazoo where I've been for 5 years. I received my undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University and my masters degree from Augustana University (Sioux Falls, SD). Besides teaching at West Ottawa, I've coached tennis for 10 years with the last 5 as the boys varsity tennis coach. My wife and I have one child (Amilia) who is two and a half. As a family we love exploring West Michigan, playing outside, and exercising! GO WO!
Zoo Specials
Technology Talk with Mrs. O'Brien
Hello! Please check my website to learn about our latest adventures in Technology! There are updates at each grade level! If you have any questions, please email me at obrienp@westottawa.net
Mrs. O’Brien
West Ottawa News
West Ottawa Bus Procedure Update:
West Ottawa Public Schools adheres to a method of progressive discipline when there is a violation of basic Bus Rules or Behavior Expectations. Depending on the severity or progressive nature of the unacceptable behavior, the Director of Transportation and/or principal at the building of attendance may impose any number of days of bus suspension up to and including the loss of bus riding privileges for a brief or extended period of time including the remainder of the school semester or the school year. All consequences are subject to administrative discretion. Restorative practices are considered in all situations and may be implemented when appropriate.
To view a copy of the Bus Rules and Behavior Expectations which are posted in color at the front of every West Ottawa school bus, CLICK HERE.
To view a copy of the Transportation Department's Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Student Conduct and Corrective Action (AG 8600.009), CLICK HERE.
To access the West Ottawa Transportation Department website, containing links to all of our Administrative Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, CLICK HERE.
We look forward to working with you and your child to address unacceptable behavior and to restore your child as a safe bus rider for themself and for others on the bus.