WBSD Weekly Update
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Safe Schools Week Highlights
We work every day to make our schools a safe learning environment. This week we participated in Safe Schools Week as a district, with age-appropriate activities at each level.
Positive Post-It
Chalk It Up to Safety
Digital Safety, Wear Orange
Mrs. Graff to Retire from WBMS
We are announcing the retirement of a member of our school community, Mrs. Lisa Graff, who has served the West Bloomfield School District with dedication and excellence since 1996.
During Mrs. Graff's journey through our district she has worn many hats. From her early days as a middle and high school counselor, to her pivotal leadership as WBEA President, and her impactful contributions as Assistant Principal at both Abbott Middle School and West Bloomfield Middle School, Mrs. Graff has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Graff has consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for the well-being and success of our students. Her tireless efforts, dedication to fostering a positive school culture, and willingness to go above and beyond for the betterment of our community have been truly commendable. Her legacy of compassion, leadership, and innovation will continue to influence our school for years to come.
As Mrs. Graff embarks on a new chapter in her life, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for her exceptional service to West Bloomfield Middle School and the entire district. Her impact reaches far beyond the walls of our school, and we are immensely grateful for the positive changes she has helped bring about.
Mrs. Graff and her family will be moving to Nebraska, where she will be pursuing a role in an organization supporting foster care family reunification beginning November 1st. We have no doubt that she will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, just as she has done here in West Bloomfield.
Once again, congratulations to Mrs. Lisa Graff on her retirement, and thank you for the incredible impact she has had on our school and community.
Thank you,
David Gardner, Principal
West Bloomfield Middle School
The Laker Opportunity Center: Alternative High School Completion Program
The Laker Opportunity Center: Alternative High School Completion 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 will help you select the right learning mode for you or your student. 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, communicating with school staff via email and video only.
The program is open to all students age 16-22 in the State of Michigan. If you know someone who may be interested, or if you would like more information please contact Morrison Borders, Principal at morrison.borders@wbsd.org.
Upcoming Performances and News
ICYMI: Prism Concert at WBHS
Performances took place in all areas of the auditorium. A cornucopia of talents from WBHS Marching Band, Concert Choir, Concert Orchestra, Symphony Band, Chorale, Jazz Band, Chamber Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Laker Express, and Symphony Orchestra. Thank you to the families, booster clubs, and staff! Did you miss the concert? Check out this link: https://tinyurl.com/3nss449s
Volunteer to be a Reading Buddy
In West Bloomfield, our mission is to support each student’s needs by providing the opportunities, experiences, and educational tools for their journey. Would you like to be part of this mission by volunteering to help a young reader in first or third grade? If you are interested, please consider signing up to volunteer for our Reading Buddies program. We are starting at two buildings as our volunteer base develops.
More Information
This video provides a general description of the Reading Buddy volunteer program.
This slideshow provides more detail.
This is the sign-up sheet that you can fill out if you are interested and email to randi.fogel@wbsd.org and michelle.berman@wbsd.org or deliver in person to the curriculum office at the ACS building - 5810 Commerce Road.
Try Hockey for Free Day
November 4 from 3-4 p.m. at Orchard Lake St. Mary's Ice Rink - 3535 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake
Try Hockey for Free is designed to provide kids ages 4 to 9 with the opportunity to try ice hockey in a fun, safe environment with trained coaching staff.
No experience necessary! There will be plenty of assistance on hand to be sure your child has the best first hockey experience and answer any questions you may have.
Pre-Registration is required, and all equipment is available to borrow that day.
http://Tryhockeyforfree.com/event_detail/2320
Information on our Learn to Skate, including Figure Skating and Learn to Play Programming will be available.
Presented By: USA Hockey & Orchard Lake Hockey Association
Casino Night
Tickets are On Sale Now! Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Glen Oaks Country Club
Evening of Friday, February 2, 2024
Live Music - Games - Dancing
All info here www.wbef.org
WBSD Launches IXL for K-5 students
We are excited to share a computer program we are using in all of our elementary schools that you can also access from home. IXL is a wonderful program used to give individualized and unlimited practice for math skills for our students. It is also aligned to our curricular materials. For your convenience, there are three ways in this communication that you can learn more about this educational tool:
Read the brief description in this email.
Access a detailed video about the program by clicking here.
Access the associated slide deck to the video by clicking here.
IXL During School Time
We are now beginning to use this program in all of our classes during Intervention & Enrichment time, Math Work Places, and more. IXL will be used to supplement and enhance instruction – not to replace curricular resources. Students have teacher recommended skills that are assigned to focus on class lessons and specific areas. Students also have a Skill Plan that gives students recommendations based on their NWEA data for Math.
Helping Your Child Log In At Home
IXL is designed to help your child learn at their own pace. The program is adaptive and will adjust based on your child’s demonstrated understanding of the material. If students are working on their Skill Plan, they should select tasks in order from the top. All of your child’s results will be saved, so you can monitor their progress anytime by clicking on Analytics. Although IXL is not required, it may be something you would like them to do 2-3 times per week at home.
For additional help getting logged in, please contact your child’s classroom teacher or review the slideshow and video at the start of this communication.
Sincerely,
Scott Long
Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services
A House Divided Watch Party for MSU/UofM this Saturday
Where are you watching the Michigan State vs. University of Michigan game today? For Bradley Bordelove, a senior at West Bloomfield High School and DECA board member, his answer is West Bloomfield Middle School.
"For this year's project my DECA partners and I will be working with Nick O'Shea (also a WB alum) and Xtra Point Solutions for our DECA project. Nick and his company Xtra Pointe Solutions (XPS) are organizing the first annual WB House-Divided Watch Party event. The focus of our project is to help promote and facilitate the First Annual West Bloomfield House Divided Watch Party, an event that promotes former West Bloomfield High School athletes that are playing football and cheer at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University."
The event is set to take place on October 21st at the new West Bloomfield Middle school, during the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game.
Fellow Deca student Charlotte Brager added, "So far it has been an exciting planning process and we can not wait to see the event be executed! Planning an event for our community allows us to positively impact and bring the community closer together. It is a great way to foster a sense of involvement and create memorable experiences for friends and family."
For those unfamiliar with DECA, it is a business and marketing program at the high school.
But the watch party is only one of two events that day. The other is a cheer camp with WBHS Alum Payton Harvey.
For tickets for both events, please go to the event page here: https://www.xtrapointsolutions.com/event-details/west-bloomfield-house-divided
Be sure to plug in the code: LAKERS. This will give all of WBSD a discounted rate to the watch party or the camp for $20. The funds will go towards West Bloomfield DECA, West Bloomfield Football, The Semaj Morgan Foundation, and to West Bloomfield Alumni who are the face of the event (Tre Mosley- MSU Football, Semaj Morgan- UofM Football, and Payton Harvey- UofM Cheer).
"For me personally, the best part about this event is being able to bring the West Bloomfield Community together," said Nick O’Shea, founder of Xtra Point Solutions. "Everyone from our two artists for the flyers and logo, to the players who are the “faces” of the event (Tre Mosley, Semaj Morgan, Payton Harvey), to our sales team (DECA students), to myself with Xtra Point Solutions … almost everyone involved is a WB Alumni, and proud to be!"
WBHS Unboxed STEAM Challenge
WBHS CAD students partnered with Rochester Adams students at Lift Detroit. Lift is a manufacturing company that focuses on advanced techniques and problem solving and emphasizes on educational development for high school students. Students experienced an “unboxed STEAM challenge” presented by Michigan Technological University. Students had a limited amount of time to solve problems and collaborate with one another. What a fun day for all involved!
WBSD is Hiring
After the Bell, Clubs & More
- WB Wrestling Club, More Info Here
- Math Pentathlon, More Info Here
- A is for Autumn Fall Event, More Info Here
WBSD Library News
Book Lists
· Mysteries & Thrillers (Teen)
Teen Lego Relief Printmaking
Saturday, October 21 from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Main Library Meeting Room
Learn how to make prints without expensive or specialized equipment! Use Legos to create an artistic design that will be inked and pressed onto paper. For grades 6-12. No registration required.
Westacres Let off Some STEAM
Tuesday, October 24 from 6-7 p.m.
Westacres Branch Activity Center
Explore the world around us through fun experiments together! Recommended for grades K-5. Registration is required.
We want to share your wonderful news with the rest of the community! Please share with us what is happening with your child(ren) and our staff. We would love to hear about your events and activities including awards, honors, good deeds, and accomplishments. Help us share your success stories in art, music, scholastics, athletics, drama, debate, and more. We look forward to sharing your news! Submit a story here.
Upcoming Important Dates
October 23 - WBSD Board of Education Meeting
October 25 - Late Start
November 7 - Election Day - No School for Students