WBSD Weekly Update
WBSD branding is part of Telling Our Story
The district has been hard at work on a branding initiative. At the last Board of Education meeting, an updated district logo and an expanded set of Lyle Crocodile graphic assets were approved unanimously. Lyle Crocodile can now accompany students from early childhood to graduation on their entire Laker Learning Journey as they explore the depths of opportunity in West Bloomfield School District. We are proud to be a steadfast anchor for this community, supporting each student's needs by providing opportunities, experiences, and educational tools for generations to come.
Here is a link to the Board presentation that shares our Rebranding Goals and how branding ties to our Strategic Plan Goals (see page 10). Our Rebranding Goals are to:
Attract new families to the community and district
Retain existing students through graduation
Invigorate partnerships with the community and region
Restore trust and cooperation through recent transitions
We listened to feedback from many parents and stakeholders that the old Graduate W alone did not communicate “West Bloomfield School District,” and could easily be mistaken for another school or district beginning with “W.” Additionally, we wanted to tell a more detailed story than just a graduation cap alone could convey. The experience of being a Laker is a journey, not just a destination.
Important notes:
The Portrait of a Graduate continues to drive our curriculum model, in preparing students for lifelong learning.
The logo used at both the middle and high schools is not changing.
We are still developing branding elements to represent our elementary schools.
As good stewards of public resources, we want to put existing branded materials to good use. Therefore, the new mascots will be slowly implemented over the next six months, so PTOs and offices will continue to use the materials and swag they have through this school year.
Our goal is to have all the elements in place and to use them exclusively by the start of our next school year.
Coming soon: Watch for updates to our materials, website, and social media, as well as development of the elementary and programming logos.
WBMS earns 2023 Outstanding Project for learning space
West Bloomfield Middle School is featured in the Fall 2023 Learning By Design magazine, the premier source for education design innovation and excellence as an Outstanding Project in the New Construction category.
French Associates worked with West Bloomfield School District and engaged stakeholders including students, staff, parents and community members to envision a learning environment that also met the social/emotional and safety needs of students, staff and visitors.
There is a North-South corridor, and a gorgeous, light-filled East-West iCenter. In fact the entire design of the building pays attention not only to natural light but natural connections formed by the layout and design. As stated in the magazine, “The Media Center provides visual and physical access to flanking courtyards, allowing safe and seasonal outdoor learning.”
The design also supports a shift to Learning Communities with each cohort occupying a color-coded wing. Each cohort has classrooms surrounding a common area and that “family room” opens to the main corridor creating a front door. This helps build communities within the school and focuses on the importance of connections.
The Laker Opportunity Center is our New Alternative High School Program
The Laker Opportunity Center offers an alternative learning experience for those that have struggled in the traditional learning environment. The Laker Opportunity Center offers students the opportunity to complete high school and graduate with a diploma. Our school leaders help select the right learning mode for each student. The program is open to all students in the State of Michigan who are 16-22 years old. Learn more on their facebook page or https://www.wbsd.org/lakeroppcenter.
In-Person Cohorts
Students may join an in-person cohort, meeting 2-3 times weekly. Monday & Thursday OR Tuesday & Friday are available, with a Wednesday rotation.
Drop-In
Qualifying students completing coursework from home may qualify for opt-in meet-ups only.
All Online
Qualifying students can learn entirely from home 24/7, communicating with school staff via email and video only. All students must make weekly contact with staff.
For more information please contact Morrison Borders, Principal at morrison.borders@wbsd.org
Trivia Night is SOLD OUT! Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Kathy Sheiko (retired principal at Sheiko Elementary) wishes to express her thanks to the West Bloomfield staff and community for their support of this fun fundraiser that finances Blessings in a Backpack.
If you did not get tickets but would still like to donate toward weekend meals for students in need, please visit https://blessingsinabackpackmi.org/. Go to Donate, Pick Online or By Mail, fill out the appropriate form, and be sure you are giving to the West Bloomfield/Keego Harbor Program.
Thank you for all you do to support our students!
Mark Your Calendar - November 28th 6 p.m. West Bloomfield High School iCenter
Global Equity Team
G.E.T. exists to build a community that supports a restorative culture through relationships and educational equity for all. The three main focus points of the Global Equity Team are student outreach, culture and climate, and training and development.
Who will we be as a team?
We are students, caregivers, staff, and anyone who is part of the West Bloomfield community! Are you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and social-emotional health and well-being? If so, please join us. Meetings will be held monthly along with opportunity for participation in subcommittees and special programs/projects.
What kind of work might G.E.T. be involved in?
Shared articles, learning, and discussion around various topics relevant to our school and district
Examining school materials with an equity lens
Development of language protocols on school documents
Reviewing and updating school policies and practices through an equity lens
Sharing classroom practices that lift up equity work
Discussion of concerns that arise around equity within a building
Elevating student, parent and community voices
If you are interested in being a member of the Global Equity Team contact Sonja James at sonja.james@wbsd.org
What other resources may be helpful in understanding our work?
Book Lists
· Native American Heritage (Kids)
· Native American Heritage (Teen)
Library Closed
The Main Library will be closed until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7 for maintenance. Both branches will be closed on Friday, November 10 during Veteran’s Day.
Saturday Gamefest
Saturday, November 11 from 1-3 p.m.
Main Library Meeting Room
Do you love video gaming? Join us for a fun afternoon of gaming at the library! The library will have several systems (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox One) for kids to share and play with other gamers. Recommended for grades 3-8. No registration required.
