![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/books.25e85df4.jpg)
August Insights
2023-2024
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear WBHS Community,
It is with great excitement and anticipation that I welcome everyone to WBHS for the 2023-2024 school year. As we prepare for another school year, I am so excited for the opportunities that are present for us. It is our goal at WBHS to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of each and every student. We plan to deliver robust and engaging learning opportunities for students in the classrooms through independent and collaborative activities, team oriented thinking processes, and innovative problem solving. We have grown and developed in teaching and learning in flexible environments, and we have new skills and techniques to best reach all of our students. The list below highlights some of our exciting opportunities for the 2023-2024 school year:
Introduction of AP African American Studies
Robust career and technical education pathways in business, engineering, multimedia, food preparation, CAD, architecture, and programming
Connections with friends and community through athletics, the arts, and activities
An advisory period for all students, focused on supporting academic and social-emotional support
Dedicated social-emotional learning curriculum in Advisory
37 different varsity sports opportunities
Full scale theater productions, choir concerts, and band and orchestra performances
Our beginning of the year programs such as Jumpstart and Freshman Day will launch our students into a new and exciting school year at WBHS. Please note the information embedded in this newsletter. There is a great deal of content about the coming school year in this issue and I encourage you to read the articles, announcements, and calendar and to keep the issue for future reference. August Insights can also be found on the West Bloomfield High School website. Whether your student is beginning, continuing, or finishing his/her high school journey with us this year, we look forward to partnering with you for the academic, social, and emotional growth that will prepare them for success later in life. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Eric Pace
Principal, WBHS
POWERSCHOOL - Back to School Update
The West Bloomfield School District has moved to an all-online enrollment process. Starting July 19 families need to login to PowerSchool and complete the Back to School Update Packet. This process needs to be completed before the first day of school. Click on the picture to go to the Back to School Central portion of the WBSD website for the link and training video, https://www.wbsd.org/parents/back-to-school-central.
Families are required to do this for each child enrolled with WBSD. If you do not know your login and/or password for PowerSchool, please call the high school at 248-865-6720, or visit https://www.wbsd.org/parents/powerschool for more information.
WBSD will offer Drop-In Support Sessions for families that need additional assistance. Drop-In Sessions will take place at WBHS in the iCenter. WBHS is located at 4925 Orchard Lake Rd.
DROP IN SESSION
Wednesday, August 2, 11 am - 1 pm
JUMP START/FRESHMEN DAY
We are excited to welcome you to the kickoff activities for the 2023-24 school year. Please read the information below, including the schedule for our Jump Start days. Jump Start is for all students. It is an event where students will receive their schedules, purchase parking passes, have their school ID picture taken and receive their school ID. Students will also have the opportunity to return books, purchase yearbooks and pay any outstanding fines, if applicable.
Students should plan to come to WBHS on their assigned date and time for Jump Start. Students may not come at a different time, other than the scheduled makeup date. Schedules will not be available for students outside of their assigned time. This is the only time students will receive their printed schedules.
In addition to Freshmen Jump Start on Friday, August 18th, Incoming 9th grade students should also plan to attend Freshmen Orientation, at their scheduled time. The purpose of this orientation is to make the transition from middle school to high school a positive one and provide information to parents about the upcoming year. Incoming 9th graders will meet their mentors and engage in community building activities while getting to know WBHS. During the Freshmen Orientation there will be an opportunity to visit the Clubs and Sports Fair. The Clubs and Sports Fair is where students can meet key WBHS staff and learn about opportunities that WBHS has to offer.
On Friday August 18th, there will also be a short, optional parent information session at 1:00 p.m. While parents are invited to attend the Parent Information Session, it is important to note that Jump Start and Freshmen Orientation are STUDENT events. Our goal is to help your soon to be high schooler feel at ease about starting this new adventure, and as such, parent attendance at this event is limited to the Parent Information Session.
A schedule of events is located at the end of this communication. Please follow the schedule below closely. We look forward to seeing you soon!
WBHS 2023-2024 Jump Start Schedule
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 (Juniors/Seniors)
- Senior Jump Start: 8:00 AM-10:30 AM
- Junior Jump Start: 12:00 PM-2:30 PM
Thursday, August 17, 2023 (Sophomores)
- Sophomore Jump Start: 8:00 AM-10:30 AM
Friday, August 18, 2023 (FRESHMEN DAY/Freshmen Jump Start)
Last names A-L- Freshmen Jump Start: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Clubs and Sports Fair 11:00 AM-11:55 AM
- Freshmen Orientation 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Parent Information Session 1:00 PM
Last names M-Z
- Freshmen Orientation 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Clubs and Sports Fair 11:00 AM-11:55 AM
- Freshmen Jumpstart 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Parent Information Session 1:00 PM
Monday, August 21, 2023 (Jump Start Make-Up)
Make-Up Jumpstart Day (All grade levels): 8:00 AM-10:30 AM
The below chart shows the alphabetical breakdown using the first 3 letters of your child’s last name.
As you know, we spent a great deal of time and effort in the spring helping our students select courses for the fall. The counselors presented information to the students and the students were given time to enter their course requests with the guidance of their counselor. We emphasized that students select courses wisely as course requests would not be changed after May 1st due to the fact that staffing assignments and the master schedule are built from student requests.
Student schedules will ONLY be adjusted for the following reasons (see Schedule Change):
Failure from the previous semester in a prerequisite course
Completed the course already in a previous academic year or during summer school
An incomplete schedule or missing class (there should be seven courses plus Advisory for each semester on your student's schedule)
Your student was scheduled in two courses that provide the same credit (i.e. World History and AP World History)
For students that need to make a schedule change based on one of the four reasons listed above, a schedule change request form is available at the Counseling office. Please see your counselor.
OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 6:30pm
See what it's like to be back in high school, walk your child's schedule, meet their teachers, hear an overview of each of their classes. More details to follow.
MEDICATION & HEALTH CARE ALERT FORMS
In order to update student records and have the most current health information, please fill out the Health Alert form and send with your student to Jumpstart.
If your child takes medication during the school day, even if it is over the counter, a Medication Permission form is required to be signed and turned into the Counseling office by the first day of school. We have a med tech on staff to assist your student if needed.
Even if your student self-carries the medication, we require that you please submit the permission form. A link to the form can be accessed here.
COLLEGE READINESS EVENTS!
The WBHS College and Career Center and the Counseling Department are proud to support our students with their college and career planning. We encourage our students and parents to read the communication we send and to take advantage of the ways we support our students.
This past spring, we hosted a variety of college readiness workshops for the Class of 2024 on topics such as Creating the College List, Career Search Tools, Sending Transcripts using Parchment, Essay Writing, Scholarships 101, and Financial Aid Basics.
Mrs. Essig, our College and Career Counselor, pushed out a variety of informational videos to the Class of 2024 parents and students. If you missed them, the videos can be found on our Counseling Website and below. Be sure to look for additional videos this fall!
WBHS College Prep Series #1 - Introduction, Resources & College App Boot Camp
WBHS College Prep Series #2 - Using the Common Data Set Tool
WBHS College Prep Series #3 - Asking for Letters of Recommendation
WBHS College Prep Series #5 - Types of College Application Deadlines and Fee Waivers
We also host a College Application Boot Camp in mid-August where we support seniors with the college application process and get a jump start before school starts. Information was emailed to seniors about how to register. Mrs. Essig will offer “Mini Sessions” of the College Application Boot Camp after school in September for students unable to attend in August.
In September, seniors will attend a class meeting and receive information and support. Students can sign up to meet with their counselor or Mrs. Essig in the College and Career Center to seek assistance with the process. We will also offer an On-Site Admissions Day in October where seniors can meet with a variety of admissions reps and receive an admissions decision during the meeting. Registration details will be emailed to seniors in mid-September.
Juniors and seniors (and their parents) are encouraged to visit the College and Career Center Canvas pages for a wealth of information related to all things college and career. Mrs. Essig has an extensive list of videos, presentations, and scholarship opportunities listed here. Juniors and seniors are welcome to make an appointment with her using the link on the College and Career Center Canvas page. Students and parents are encouraged to check their email frequently so they don't miss out on opportunities for assistance in this process. We are here to help!
Once school starts, we will host many college and university admissions reps at our high school. The admissions representatives will discuss programs of study, admission criteria, scholarships, and answer student questions. This is a great way to connect with an admissions rep and get a feel for the university. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend. Registration details will be provided on the College and Career Center Canvas page in September.
Parents and students should read the Counselor Connection newsletter regularly for specific details on upcoming events and more. The Counselor Connection is emailed to all students and parents email one to two times per month. If you are not receiving the newsletter, please update your email address in PowerSchool in your parent portal. Our Counseling Team is happy to assist you.
PARKING PASS INFORMATION
West Bloomfield High School will continue to offer parking privileges to eligible 11th and 12th-grade students that purchase and properly display a WBHS parking permit. Criteria for obtaining and maintaining a parking permit can be found on the application form linked below. Students may only park in the main and south lots, NOT in the north lot (by the stadium), which is reserved for staff parking.
Seniors and juniors can purchase their parking pass at Jump Start, provided they bring the permit fee- $100 payment (cash or check payable to West Bloomfield Schools), evidence of a driver's license and vehicle registration, and have filled out the application found at the link below. Parking permits are to be fully adhered to the bottom left-hand side of the windshield of the vehicle for which it was purchased. If a family would like to register additional vehicles, they need to complete the application and provide a $5.00 payment for each.
2023/2024 YEARBOOK
Pre-ordering of your yearbook can be done by:
visiting yearbookordercenter.com and using code 17673
OR by printing and completing the attached order form and mailing a check to:
WBHS YEARBOOK, ATTENTION: Megan Dutton
4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323
Yearbooks will cost $75 through Jumpstart (Monday, August 21).
After Jump Start (starting Tuesday, August 22), the price will increase to $80 throughout the remainder of pre-ordering, which will end on February 2.
Dear Laker Nation,
Athletic competitions remain an important part of the educational experience within our schools. As we prepare for the 2023-24 school year, we continue to make improvements and streamline processes for our fans and spectators.
The West Bloomfield School District will be moving to an efficient digital ticketing service, GoFan, for all home games. We strongly encourage fans and spectators to purchase home game tickets in advance to avoid delays at the gate. Tickets will be for sale at the gate through credit card payment however, we do not recommend utilizing this method as it will cause longer lines at the gate.
Cash will NOT be accepted for ticket sales; families can still use cash to purchase concessions.
To purchase tickets online, please use the following link:
WBHS - https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10121
Many of our opponents use GoFan as well. Ticket sales for away games may also be accessible through the link above.
Admission details are as follows:
Children ages 5 and under are free
West Bloomfield residents 65 years and over with a Laker Senior Gold Card, are free. Please show your Gold Card at the gate for entry. Senior Gold cards can be obtained from the WBSD Athletic Office or by calling (248) 865-6742.
Individual tickets are $5.00, plus a $1.00 service fee
Service fees are paid by the ticket purchaser. All sales are final.
Athletic Yearly Event Passes/Family Passes are available for WBSD families. The Family Pass is $100 and admits up to 4 family members into District home athletic events for that school year except for self-funded sports and MHSAA tournaments. The pass can be purchased at Jump Start or in the Athletic Office at West Bloomfield High School.
Thank you for supporting Laker Nation Athletics at West Bloomfield High School. We look forward to joining you as we cheer on our Lakers!
Go Lakers!
Eric Pierce
Athletic Director
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Juniors and Seniors who meet the National Honor Society academic criteria (3.5 or above cumulative GPA) will receive an invitation to apply to NHS. More information will be forthcoming after the start of school to answer any application questions.
Prescribing to the four tenants of the National Honor Society (Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, and Service), prospective members must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, show leadership in activities, no ISS or OSS suspensions, and must complete at least ten hours of verifiable community service. The service hours may not have been used for another class or for any type of credit, and must have been completed for a non-profit organization (school, church, senior citizens home, food bank, charitable organizations, etc.). These qualifications are described in more detail in the WBHS Student Handbook on page 12. (see link below)
2023-2024 CHROMEBOOK REPAIR POLICY/BROKEN OR LOST DEVICES
The WBSD Chromebook Repair Policy will allow for two repairs free of charge for the entire time your student is enrolled at West Bloomfield School District. Once a student has elapsed their two free repairs, they will need to pay a flat rate of $50 per repair after that.
If the device is ever deemed unrepairable or device is lost or misplaced, the student is required to pay a $250 device replacement fee. This will not go towards their two free repair counts.
It is in the best interests of the family to report all issues as soon as they happen. The need for repair of multiple issues increases the chances of a device being deemed unrepairable, leaving the family responsible for paying the $250 replacement fee.
Below you will find the device repair steps:
- Warranty Repair - Free
- First Repair (If Repairable) - Free
- Second Repair (If Repairable) - Free
- Third Repair and Beyond (If Repairable) - $50 Each
- If Device is Beyond Repair (Total Replacement) - $250
- If Device is Lost - $250
NUTRITION NEWS
Nutrition Services would like to take this opportunity to welcome your student(s) to the 2023-24 school year! We are thrilled to announce funding has been provided to serve student meals at no charge.
Some important information regarding meal service this school year:
- One breakfast and lunch meal daily will be no cost to all students.
- Ala carte items and additional breakfast/lunch meals are available for a charge. There will be no change returned in the lunch line.
- Fee free online deposits to cafeteria accounts can be made through the Family Portal https://westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud/ . There is a $20 minimum deposit which can be split between student accounts.
- Please continue to apply for free or reduced priced meal benefits at the Family Portal https://westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud/
For more information, please call the Nutrition Services Office at (248)865-6732.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided for WBHS resident students who reside more than one (1) mile from the high school. In order to ensure safety, students are required to conduct themselves according to school district transportation rules and regulations.
Students are expected to be at their bus stop ten (10) minutes prior to pickup time to allow for weather and traffic variances. If a student is not at their stop when the bus arrives, the bus is not required to stop. Please allow time for drivers and students to familiarize themselves with new routes before calling regarding changes.
Transportation information will be sent to eligible students.
Thank you for your cooperation and together let us look forward to a safe and productive school year.
Please click on the link below for more information
TRANSCRIPTS - CLASS OF 2024
Transcripts will be sent electronically by Parchment. No transcript can be sent from WBHS until school begins in the fall and all summer records have been verified. We project the first opportunity to send these transcripts will be September 15. Students may request transcript submission AT ANY TIME from Parchment, but WBHS will release them starting September 15.
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
If your child is a student (3 to 26 years of age) in the West Bloomfield Schools, s/he can also participate in the 2023-24 Blessings in a Backpack program. This program sends six non-perishable meals home each Friday of the school year. Its goal is to make sure that no child goes hungry on the weekend. Run by volunteers, there is NO cost to you.
To enroll in this program, please fill out the form below and return it to your school office or email it to katherinesheiko@hotmail.com. This registers your child/ren in the Blessings program and alerts us to any allergies they might have. The first backpack of food will be distributed to your child at his/her local school the first week of October.
To sign up, complete the Blessings Application
COMMUNICATIONS OPT OUT
The West Bloomfield School District communication network provides many opportunities to showcase our students. Our Board of Education frequently honor students for special accomplishments. The district newsletter and The Laker displays photographs and success stories. District and building email and website provide students with an opportunity to share their accomplishments. These and many other opportunities exist within the WBSD to offer public acknowledgement of our students and staff through public communication.
Parents who would not want their student’s image or work included in any school or district communication should send written notification to the Principal’s office before the start of the school year.
YEARLY NOTIFICATIONS OF RIGHT TO REVIEW EDUCATIONAL RECORDS
The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires that school districts notify parents and/or guardians yearly of their right to review their student’s educational records. Parents wishing to review student records must notify the Counseling Office for an appointment.
If students are receiving or have received special education services, parents should contact the Special Services Office at 248-865-6470.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN ANY FOREIGN LANGUAGE
WBHS will provide information about the school’s vocational education classes in any language. Parents who want this information in their language of origin should contact the Board Office at 248-865-6479.
NOTICE OF PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS
Public Act 131 requires schools to notify parents and guardians of school students of their right to be informed before application of pesticides on school grounds or in buildings.
As part of the West Bloomfield School District’s pest management program, pesticides are occasionally applied after normal school hours.
Parents who want to be notified before a pesticide treatment should contact the WBHS Principal’s Office for a Pesticide Prior Notification Request form.
LATEX FREE
WBHS IS A LATEX SAFE ENVIRONMENT. We strongly encourage our students to restrict their use of latex items on the property. Said items may be confiscated or removed from the premises for student safety.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS INFORMATION
Regular meetings of the Board of education of the WBSD will be held the fourth Monday of each month, starting at 7:00 pm. All community members are welcome to attend. For more information click the link below.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.
Arrangements can be made to accommodate English as a Second Language (ESL) population. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:
Mr. Eric Whitney
Assistant Superintendent for
Talent Development and Management
West Bloomfield School District
5810 Commerce Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48324