Principal Communication

September 18, 2020

 Dear Discovery Parents, 

We have officially completed our third week and our first full week of remote instruction. Morning meeting sessions are full, Seesaw journal pages are filling up, small group lessons are being formed, and fall assessments are underway. Our new version of school is full swing! Thank you for your continued support as we continue to grow, learn, and adjust together. 

 Like many things this year, our attendance will be very different while we are in virtual learning. Effective Monday, September 21, 2020, teachers will be documenting daily remote instruction activity. This adjustment comes as a result of clarified information from the Michigan Department of Education and the necessity to comply with state requirements.  

 While flexibility is still embedded in our schedule, state requirements dictate that all students attend a minimum of two synchronous (live) lessons each week. Please keep in mind that this is a minimal standard, and we hope that students will be engaged in one or more live sessions with their teacher daily in addition to the Seesaw lessons they complete.

 We are also asking that families contact the Discovery Office when a child is not going to be able to engage in remote instruction for the day. Parents may use this link  Discovery Attendance or call 517- 655-2855, and choose option 1. 

 If you are concerned about your child's ability to meet these requirements, please contact your child's teacher so that you can work together on a plan. 

 As a reminder, Friday, September 25 is a half day of school for students.  There will be no synchronous (live) sessions that morning, but students will still be expected to attend their asynchronous (recorded) lessons posted by their teachers.  There is no school in the afternoon.

 Discovery Elementary Yearbooks are in! We are passing out yearbooks to students that come to school for testing. Once testing is complete, we will contact families that did not receive their yearbook on our distribution process. 

 Thank you, 

Cassie Pfander, Ed.S

Discovery Elementary Principal

August 21, 2020

Hello Discovery Families, 

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of introduction to you as your new Principal at Discovery Elementary. It is truly an honor to become part of the Discovery family and Williamston Community. Over the summer and leading up to the start of the year, I have been greeted with an overwhelmingly warm welcome, and it is clear that Discovery Elementary is a unique and special place that genuinely cares for its students. 

Professionally, I possess fifteen years of experience in education. I have taught preschool, kindergarten, third grade, 5th grade, and was a reading specialist. My bachelor’s degree is from Alma College, and my master’s degree is from Eastern Michigan University.  I also completed my education specialist degree from the University of Michigan - Flint. In addition, I am currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan - Flint.  

One of the most important aspects of my work here at Discovery Elementary is to build strong relationships with students, teachers, and families. Although we will not have a traditional start to the school year, you will find me posting in Seesaw, joining Google Meet events, and posting videos for students and families to watch. My passion is and always has been educating students, and I look forward to the opportunity to lead that work at Discovery. 2020 has been a dynamic and interesting year. Although we face challenging and unprecedented times, I look forward to experiencing an exciting year full of new experiences, new learning opportunities, excitement, and growth together.

I look forward to meeting you. It is going to be an exciting and one of a kind school year!

Sincerely, 

Cassie Pfander, Ed.S

Discovery Elementary Principal      

Enrollment Forms 

Please click on link below for enrollment forms.  Each child will also need to have the Parent-Student Concussion Form filled out.

2020-2021 Young Fives & Kindergarten Enrollment Forms

 2020-2021 First & Second Grade Enrollment Forms

 Parent-Student Concussion Form

2020-2021 Student School Calendar  PLEASE NOTE NEW TIMES!

School Meal Information

Please click this link https://www.gowcs.net/domain/232 to obtain detailed information on school meals.

Free Meals Are Available:

The United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, changed guidance this week in regard to school meals. Effective September 8 and until further notice, all children 18 years and younger are eligible for breakfast and lunch. Meals do not have to preordered, children do not have to be present to pick up meals and no identification is necessary. You do not need an approved meal assistance application to receive meals. Please stay in your vehicle and let us know the number of meal bundles you need.

On September 8, Tuesday, the meal pack will include meals for four days. Meal distribution will be at the high school front drive from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Effective Tuesday, September 15, distribution will be on Tuesday and Thursday. Meals will be available at the high school in the front drive from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Tuesday meal bundle will include meals for three days and the meal bundle on Thursday will include meals for four days.

Please check the District Webpage, go to Departments then the Food Service page for updates. If you have questions, please call 517-706-5028 and leave your name and phone number. Thank you for your understanding as we follow USDA guidance.

Celebrate Leaders in STEAM

Click to view Leaders in STEAM 

2018 WCS Informational Brochure

Learn more about Williamston Community Schools. Download the 2018 Informational Brochure here. 

Suggested Classroom Supplies

Please refer to note provided by your child's teacher. 

Please be assured that Williamston Community Schools will ensure that each child has the supplies necessary for success in the classroom.