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WBMS Update
Week of December 17th, 2023
Updates
WINTER SPIRIT WEEK!!!
Spirit Week is finally here! Check the daily themes below to spread some cheer:
Schedule Change Requests - Semester 2
Dear WBMS Families,
As we gear up for the second semester of the academic year, we understand that occasionally there may be reasons for a schedule change. We want to provide you with the necessary information on how to make such requests.
Important Points to Note:
1. Please be aware that schedule changes are rare. We do not accommodate requests for changes based on lunch preferences, classmate preferences, or specific teacher requests.
2. If you find it necessary to request a schedule change, we have a dedicated form for you to submit your request. Please refrain from emailing counselors directly with these requests. The form will help streamline the process and allow us to address changes in the order they are received.
3. The schedule change request form will be open until January 11, 2024. Please make sure to submit your request by this deadline if you have a genuine need for a schedule adjustment.
4. Students should not assume that the schedule is changed immediately upon form submission. Our counselors will use the responses on the form to make changes and will communicate directly with you. Changes will be visible in PowerSchool once processed.
Instructions for Schedule Change Requests: To request a schedule change, please fill out the Schedule Change Request Form, accessible here: WBMS Change Request Form 2024. Ensure that you provide clear and detailed reasons for your request to assist our counselors in addressing your needs.
We appreciate your understanding of the limited circumstances under which schedule changes can be made. Our aim is to ensure the smooth functioning of classes and provide a conducive learning environment for all students. Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to a successful second semester for everyone.
Guest Speaker - Lauren Nicole Chapman
Last week, our musical theatre students were fortunate to welcome Lauren Nicole Chapman, a WB alum who recently performed as Anna in the Broadway musical, Frozen!
Students got to ask Lauren questions about her experiences, take pictures, and even get an autograph.
A BIG shoutout to Mr. Deierlein and Mr. Moore for coordinating such an awesome opportunity for our WBMS students!
NJHS Volunteer Opportunity - January 24th
Attention current National Junior Honor Society members!
Kindergarten Roundup is held at WBMS on January 24, 2024. Volunteers are needed to provide childcare. If you are interested and available to attend from 6:30-8:30 PM, you will earn 2.5 hours of credit towards your 10 hours of service. You will assist in the i-Center at WMBS.
Please fill out the Sign-Up Form with your availability to volunteer on this day.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. McCormick and Mrs. Scheloske
NJHS Advisors
House Party Update!
Congratulations to Upper Yellow, who were announced to be the winners of the first WBMS House Party on Friday! We can't wait to celebrate your hard work with you!
The event will run from 6 pm - 10 pm, and will include a movie, snacks, board games, open gym time, arts & crafts, and more.
This event cannot take place without your help! If you are interested in helping us staff this event, please complete your signup using this link: Surprise Event Signup
If you'd like more information, please reach out to Haley Barnes at haley.barnes@wbsd.org. Thank you!
Lost and Found - Last Day for Retrieval 12/22
Dear West Bloomfield Middle School Families,
As we approach the end of the year, we would like to inform you about an opportunity to reclaim any lost items currently in our Lost and Found.
We have gathered various items, including clothing, accessories, and personal belongings, which are now located outside the auditorium. To facilitate the retrieval process, we encourage you to visit the designated area to check if any of the items belong to you or your child.
After December 22, any unclaimed clothing items will be donated to local charities to benefit those in need. We want to ensure that every item finds its way back to its rightful owner, so please make every effort to check the Lost and Found area before the specified deadline. Lost glasses can be retrieved in the main office.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Lost and Found, please don't hesitate to contact our school office.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we appreciate your attention to this matter.
Adopt-A-Family
Dear Laker Nation,
The WBHS Student Leadership Adopt-A-Family committee is looking to help a family of 6 this coming holiday season. Last year was a huge success raising over $2,000 in donations! This will not be possible without your help!
If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please consider donating to our E funds link: E - FUNDS ADOPT - A - FAMILY
If you would like to purchase gifts directly for the family, you can do so with the Walmart Registry that we have created: REGISTRY
Thank you so much for your help in contributing to this family’s holiday!
WBHS Leadership Adopt a Family Committee,
Alina Pattah, Amarina Kriko, Ayla Cisic, Saniya Pokle and Winifred Washington
Spring Robotics!
Scan the QR code on the flyer below to sign up for Spring Robotics! Meetings will be every Monday and Tuesday at WBHS from 3:30-6 pm starting in mid-January.
Book Fair!
Our WBMS Scholastic Book Fair begins on Monday, December 11th in the iCenter.
We will have fun raffles & games for students to participate, FREE of charge with no purchase required.
And... our SPINNER is returning for the $1 Spin to Win game. All proceeds will benefit purchasing books for students in need and/or supplement the purchase of books for our iCenter.
The book fair encourages students to get excited about reading. All sales are final, unless authorized by Mrs. Carson.
We will accept cash, eWallet, credit/debit card, Apple Pay & Cash APP or checks made payable to West Bloomfield Middle School.
USE THIS LINK to set up a Scholastic eWallet for your student. Previous eWallets with a remaining balance MUST be reactivated for use at this fair.
Please reach out to Mrs. Carson with any questions.
Thank you for supporting our Scholastic Book Fair.
RAP Contest
Prizes
Season of Giving
As we approach the festive season, it's a wonderful time to reflect on the joy that the holidays bring and the opportunity we have to make a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate. In the spirit of giving and kindness please consider donating gift cards to those less fortunate through Helping Hands. Many individuals and families in our community are struggling, and a small act of generosity can go a long way in bringing warmth and hope into their lives.
Gift cards can be dropped off to your student's grade level counselor.
If you decide to support Helping Hands, please use this link: Season of Giving Link
Thank you!
Mrs. Peguese, Mr. Levitan, & Ms. Chang
Student Council Food Drive!
The WBMS Student Council launched the annual food drive on November 15th! This event will run through December 20th, with a schoolwide goal of bringing in 800 food items. All items will be donated to families in need through Lighthouse of Oakland County. Additionally, the house that brings in the most items will earn donuts the day before winter break!
Upper Teal is currently in the lead with 215 items! Get your items in before the deadline on Wednesday, December 20th, to earn donuts for your house!
Reminders
School Procedures
- Students must have their lanyard and student ID on them at all times.
- Students without IDs will be directed to the homework room for recess.
- New lanyards and IDs may be purchased in the main office: $2 for lanyard, $5 for ID
- Students without their lanyard during Advisory will be assigned an after-school detention
Cell Phones & Smart Watches
- ALL cell phones are to be kept 1) powered OFF, and 2) in lockers
- Smart Watches are not to be used for communication or searching information on the Internet
- If a cell phone is seen or a watch is being used for an unauthorized purpose, it will be confiscated and turned in to the main office
- 1st violation: student pick-up from the main office
- 2nd violation: parent pick-up from the main office
- 3rd violation: parent pick-up from the main office and conference with administration
Backpacks
- ALL backpacks are to be kept in student lockers
- Those with a medical bag exception are the only students permitted to carry bags
- Small purses are also permitted with limits (similar to the size limits permitted for a stadium or arena)
- If students are having trouble fitting their backpack in their locker, items may be removed for the bag to be condensed, or a smaller bag (i.e. drawstring bag) may be recommended.
- If backpacks are found in collaboration spaces or school spaces other than a locker, an after-school detention will be assigned to the student the bag belongs to
Food, Drink, & Gum
- We have individuals with very severe food allergies at our school.
- All food and drinks (other than water) are not allowed anywhere outside the auditeria.
- If a student is asked by an adult to put food/drink away and refuses, it is an automatic after-school detention.
- Gum is also not allowed at West Bloomfield Middle School for healthy and safety reasons.
- If a student is asked by an adult to spit out their gum and they refuse, it is an automatic after-school detention.
Please reach out to our Dean of Student Services, Haley Barnes at haley.barnes@wbsd.org, if you have any questions regarding these procedures.
Thank you for your support of our school procedures!
Updated Fighting Procedures
- 1st violation: 5 day out of school suspension
- 2nd violation: 5 day out of school suspension + meeting with Superintendent prior to return
The expectation is that students are making safe choices and keeping their hands to themselves. WBMS does not tolerate fighting or physical aggression, as it is not a representation of the school culture and climate.
If you have questions about our updated procedures, please contact Mr. Gardner, Mr. Evans, or Ms. Barnes at your convenience.
Thank you for supporting student safety and comfort!
Tardy Procedures
Students that receive 3+ tardies in one school day will be assigned an after-school detention to be served the following day. Calls are sent out in the evening via the ParentLink program.
Please note that if your student receives 8 tardies in a school week, they will receive an after-school detention to be served the following Monday. Attendance reports will be pulled at the end of each week and you will be notified no later than Sunday afternoon.
Additionally, if your child is assigned an after-school detention and does not serve it within the week it was assigned, your child will be assigned an In-School Suspension for the following Monday.
If you have any questions about these procedures, please contact our Dean of Students, Haley Barnes, at haley.barnes@wbsd.org. Thank you!
After-School Event Procedures
We have provided a set of rules and procedures for students who wish to attend after school activities (primarily after school sports competitions). These guidelines outline the process for attendance and the responsibilities of both students and their parents or guardians. Here's a breakdown of the procedures:
Attendance Requirement:
Students who want to attend after school activities must first go home before the event.
Parent or Guardian Escort: (not school dances)
To participate in after school activities, students must return to school escorted by a parent or guardian.
Parents or guardians must be in attendance during the activity. (Participating athletes are excluded from this procedure.)
Alternate Escort:
If a parent or guardian cannot attend and wishes to send the student with another adult, that adult must be listed on the student's emergency contact list.
After School Detention:
Students assigned to after school detention must go home directly after detention ends at 4:15.
Attending Activities After Detention:
Students assigned after school detention who wish to attend after school activities may return to school with an adult, following the same procedure as other students.
Pick-Up Time After Events: (applies to all events including dances)
Students who participate in after school events must be picked up within 30 minutes of the event's end time.
Failure to be picked up within this timeframe may result in not being allowed to attend future after school events.
These procedures are in place to ensure the safety and accountability of students attending after school activities and to establish clear guidelines for their attendance and supervision. It's important for both students and parents or guardians to adhere to these rules to maintain a safe and organized after school program.
8th Grade Sweatshirts
Every year we offer all 8th graders an opportunity to purchase an 8th grade sweatshirt
The link for orders is: https://parrotwear.com/wbms28
International Academy (8th Graders)
The application window is from November 1st to January 29th.
Click on this link for details: https://www.iatoday.org/about-us/prospective-students/okma-campus-prospective-students
See Mr. Levitan for more details or send an email to steven.levitan@wbsd.org.
Project Bracelet
Upcoming Dates
NO SCHOOL December 25th - January 5th. Enjoy your winter break!
Late Start Dates
Classes on Late Start school days will begin at 9:20 am.
Bus routes will operate one hour later than normal.
Late Start Dates:
Wednesday, January 10th
Wednesday, January 24th
Wednesday, February 7th
Wednesday, February 28th
Wednesday, March 13th
Wednesday, April 24th
Wednesday, May 8th
Wednesday, May 22nd
Miscellaneous Dates
December 19th - Band Concert
January 14th - United We Walk Event @ WBMS, 1 pm
January 15th - No School - MLK Jr. Day
February 2nd - Casino Night @ Glen Oaks Country Club
February 9th - Valentine's Dance
May 8th - Orchestra Concert
May 13th - Dodgeball Tournament (Student Council)
May 15th - Volleyball Tournament
May 17th - Spirit Week Dance
May 28th - Cedar Point Trip (tentative)
May 31st - 8th Grade Dance
Overview
There are no fees to play middle school sports.
We are governed by the state association regarding rules and participation: MHSAA
We compete in the COMSAC league (Central Oakland Middle School Athletic Conference)
All registration takes place on the Final Forms website (see button below)
Things that are required to play:
Complete all forms on Final Forms including:
Basic information
Athletic physical signed by a DR and completed after April 15th 2023 (see button below for blank form)
Signatures on forms by students and parents
Sign the Middle School Athletic Contract (one form per sport, see button below)
***If you played a middle school sport last year, you will have a Final Forms login. Please use that login to sign in, upload a new physical and sign the paperwork. All of the other data, like demographic and contact information will be saved and has rolled over.
WBMS Volleyball
Dear Parents and Students,
As the 2024 volleyball season approaches, we are excited to announce the West Bloomfield Volleyball Team Tryouts scheduled for January 22, 23, and 24. We encourage all interested 7th and 8th graders to participate and showcase their skills.
Here are the key details for the tryouts:
Tryout dates/time:
- January 22: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- January 23: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- January 24: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Post Tryout dates/time:
- On January 25, 7th graders who successfully make the team will remain at West Bloomfield Middle School (WBMS).
Practice Times: 3:30 pm to 5:15 pm
- 8th graders who make the team will be bussed to Roosevelt and should change there for practice.
Practice Times: 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm
Final Forms: To ensure a smooth process and quick communication, it is imperative that both the parent and student portions of the Final Forms are completed. This includes all necessary information and permissions. Please take the time to fill out these forms before the tryouts begin.
If you have not already done so, you can access and complete the required sections at your earliest convenience.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter, as it helps us streamline the administrative process and focus on providing a positive and enriching experience for all participants.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Mr. Evans.
Coaches Information:
Jason Gold (8) : vballjmg@aol.com, jason.gold@wbsd.org
Michael Armstrong (8) : michael.armstrong@wbsd.org
Taylor Strobridge (7) : taylor.strobridge@wbsd.org
Thank you for your commitment to the West Bloomfield Volleyball program. We look forward to seeing the talent and enthusiasm our students bring to the tryouts!
Remaining Seasons
Winter 2 Sports: opens Dec 1st for registration
- Wrestling: 6th, 7th, 8th grade
- Volleyball 7th/8th grade
- Start Date: January 24th
Spring Sports: Opens January 10th for registration
- Track: 6th, 7th, 8th grade
- Start Date: April 24th
Please reach out to Mr. Evans at jermaine.evans@wbsd.org with questions about sports schedules, Final Forms, etc.
WBMS PTO
No Bagel Sales Friday, December 22nd
Upcoming Bagel/Donut Sales
There will be no bagel sales on Friday, December 22nd.
Bagel Sales will resume on Friday, January 12th, 2024.
There will be no donut sales in January.
The next donut sale will be Friday, February 2nd, 2024.
Next PTO Meeting: Wednesday, January 24th @ 7 pm in the WBMS iCenter
Quick Links - PTO
4th Weds 7pm General PTO Meeting series
Donut/Bagel Sales Volunteer Sign Up Genius
Donut/Bagel Sales Google Calendar Friday Series
WBMS PTO Events Sign Up Genius
General PTO Meeting Presentation
2023-2024 School Year Officers
- President - Sherri-Anne Wynter
- Vice President - Monique Williams Esq
- Treasurer - Renai Mayle
- Secretary - Amanda Oliver
- Public Relations - Terri Hoyer Compton
West Bloomfield Middle School
David Gardner, Principal
Jermaine Evans, Assistant Principal
Haley Barnes, Dean of Student Services
Email: haley.barnes@wbsd.org
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/west-bloomfield-middle-school
Location: 6000 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI
Phone: 248-865-4480