WBSD Weekly Update
March is here, and we are recognizing two important subjects all month long: women's history and literacy.
Both of these topics remind me of my mother. She was born in Dakar, Senegal in the late 1940s, the second of eight children. Studious and well-read, she dreamed of going to college but unfortunately for her at the time it was not a possibility. Going to college then meant she would have to move to France, which was not an option for her as a female. Not one to be deterred, she read everything she could get her hands on and taught herself all that she wanted to learn. Her experience as a young adult made her determined that her children, sons or daughters, would be college educated. My mother taught all her children that enlightenment and empowerment came through knowledge, that education was vital to realizing our life goals, especially for her daughters. My sisters and I were taught to value ourselves and to define who we are instead of being defined by society. My mother taught us that our thoughts, opinions, and ideas were worthy of being shared and acted upon and the world would benefit from our contributions and leadership, but only if we prepared ourselves to achieve those goals through education.
During this month, I celebrate my mother and the love of reading that she gave me. I encourage all of you to read to your children and remind them of their own value and potential.
In Education,
Dania H. Bazzi, PhD
Superintendent
On May 2, 2023, the West Bloomfield School District will have a bond initiative on the ballot:
- $148 million 3-series bond proposal
- ZERO ESTIMATED NET INCREASE TO THE TOTAL DEBT TAX RATE over the 2022 total debt tax rate
- Used for high-priority capital improvements - 2 new elementary buildings, STEAM/CTE space, multi-activity spaces, technology upgrades, and dedicated early childhood spaces
- Establishes a 10-year facility improvement plan
WBSD has ambitious aspirations for all of our students and it is our desire that the learning environments reflect this. The District is seeking to improve facilities in order to provide students with safer, more modern, and more comfortable spaces, which are expected to enhance their educational experiences and learning outcomes.
For more information visit: https://www.wbsd.org/about-us/bond2023
WBMS & Optimist Club of Keego Harbor
Congratulations to three WBMS students! They entered a writing contest for the Optimist Club of Keego Harbor with the theme of "Who is an everyday hero that brings out the Optimism in you?"
1st Place - Daniella Aldabbagh
2nd Place - Persia Arghavani
3rd Place - Graham Kubiak
The essay winners presented their work at a special ceremony with their parents, teachers, and members of the Optimist Club. Keep up the great work!
DECA State Conference 2023
WBHS students are attending the Michigan DECA State Career Development Conference in Detroit. DECA members are focused on improving their leadership and professional skills, in hopes of making their way to the finalist stage. Best of luck! We can't to wait to hear the results!
30th Interview in Nine Months
Max caught up with WBMS Robotics parent and coach, Tony Mathew. Over the last four years Tony has enjoyed guiding, coaching, and building with the teams. What he loves the most is advancing their knowledge and the excitement of growth.
Max Cool Gamer Columbus is a WBMS student and is part of the FIRST Robotics Middle School team. Max has interviewed local tv and radio personalities. Be sure to check out his YouTube channel. Thank you Max!
WBMS visits Roosevelt
As part of the WBMS Robotics outreach initiative, the team visited grades 1-3 FIRST Robotics EXPLORE practice. Thank you for providing the peer to peer experience!
Be sure to check out the LakerBot event on Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m. - noon. Robotics students from grades K-12 will be displaying their talents.
Regional Champs!
Congratulations to girls basketball as they advance to the quarterfinals with a win over Lake Orion 48-30. Check out the article in Student and Athlete, click here. Gooooo Lakers!
Congratulations to Indya Davis
Indya is currently in her Junior year at WBHS and is the first Gatorade Michigan Girls Basketball Player of the Year to be chosen from WBHS. She exemplifies all the best characteristics of a student-athlete with her passion and dedication to achieving at the highest level both on and off the court. All of Laker Nation is extremely proud of you! For more info, click here.
Putting Tournament
The West Bloomfield Rotary is hosting an event to help eradicate polio in the world. This is a putting tournament at WBSD ACS Building, 5810 Commerce Rd. West Bloomfield on Sunday, March 12 from 1-3 p.m.
To register, download the mvplayersrecleague app. It is $25 to compete in the putting tournament and $10 to be a spectator. You can also donate more to be a sponsor. You can register before or at the event. Refreshments will be provided. Questions? Text Marty Levin at marlev10@aol.com
Gretchko Shining Star
Gretchko Elementary School Teacher Liz Costello received notification of two amazing honors this week. Liz has been nominated for the Outstanding Person in Education award by the West Bloomfield Education Association AND had this photograph accepted in this year’s Michigan Education Association (MEA) artwork contest! Way to go, Liz!
WBSD Community Education Spring Break Offerings
Sunset Theatre Company presents Trolls World Tour
Sing - Act - Dance for ages 7 - 14
March 27-March 31 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Scotch Elementary School
Click here for more information and to register.
Sports Camp with Emily Hubbard and RJ DeGrendel
Dodgeball - Basketball - Kickball - Floor Hockey Grades 2-5
March 28-March 30 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Roosevelt Elementary School
Click here for more information or see the attached flyer.
Please note there is a minimum and maximum number of registrations.
For questions please contact andrea.frank@wbsd.org
Caddie Round Up
Summer positions available for ages 13 and up. Click on the links below for more information.
Forest Lake Country Club
Oakland Hills Country Club
West Bloomfield Public Library
Book Lists
Community Survey
Ensure your voice is heard! Whether you use the library or not, residents are invited to complete the West Bloomfield Library Community Survey by Sunday, March 19. The Friends of the Library are offering 25 $10 Amazon Gift Cards to randomly selected respondents. Complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wb_lib or pick up a print survey at either branch.
Westacres Artistic Adventures
Tuesday, March 14 from 6-7 p.m.
at the Westacres Branch
Join us for an artistic adventure in the library! Each month we will explore a different art style and artist as inspiration while creating our own artistic masterpieces. Recommended for ages 5-12 years. Registration is required. Register at http://catalog.wblib.org/iii/calendar/month.
Talkin’ Broadway: On the Town
Wednesday, March 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
at the Main Library Meeting Room
Enjoy an excerpt of a popular play or musical performed by local authors and singers, as well as a discussion with visiting Broadway veterans. Organized and sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Michigan Stage. No registration required.
