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WBMS Update
Week of January 22nd, 2024
Highlights from the Week
Aladdin Jr. in Musical Theater
WBMS Student Life
Out & About
Strings with Mrs. Trotter & Ms. Cole
It's all about the BASS!
Band with Mr. Stein
The fine arts wing is filled with the melody & music throughout the day.
"I Can" statements in the Band Room
This visual display helps students to be reflective and "check in" with their musical development. Tone, Intonation, Rhythm, Technique & Interpretation are broken down into the categories of prioritize, progressing, prepared and performance ready.
PERFORMANCE READY
The "I Can" statements are meaningful & easy to understand. The chart helps students to advance & improve their musical skills . Students strive to be PERFORMANCE READY.
Assembly: TEENS & Online Responsibilty
Monday, January 29th, Andy Starr from Oakland Co. Prosecutors Office will be at WBMS to present grade level assemblies.
This event is sponsored by the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition.
2nd Hour- 8th Grade, 3rd Hour- 6th Grade, 4th Hour- 7th Grade
NWEA Testing at WBMS
Beginning the week of January 22rd, 6th-8th grade students will participate in the Winter NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth Assessment for Math. Language Arts testing will begin on January 29th.
NWEA Math is administered during math classes. The NWEA Language Arts test will be administered during ELA classes.
Our mindset and words matter. Please take the time to emphasize the importance of the assessment and to encourage your child to do his/her very best.
The NWEA MAP Growth Assessment is a computer-adaptive test designed to measure your child’s academic growth in Math and Reading.
This assessment is a helpful data point that we use to measure your child’s academic progress and growth at three different points of the year–fall, winter, and spring. It is also one of the benchmark assessment options that is required by the state.
Our teachers use the results of this assessment to shape future lessons, instructional groupings, and individualized instructional strategies.
The data from this assessment can be used to identify additional instructional support outside of the classroom and to identify students who have not self-selected into accelerated programs, like Advanced Math or Magnet.
For more information regarding the NWEA MAP Growth Assessment in Math and Reading, please read the “Frequently Asked Questions” portion of this communication by clicking on this link. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!
NJHS Volunteer Opportunity - January 24th
Attention current National Junior Honor Society members!
Our WBSD Kindergarten Showcase will take place at WBMS on January 24, 2024. This event is for incoming kindergarten parents to preview our kindergarten program & begin the registration process. 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 iCenter at WBMS.
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
6th Grade STEM & Science Stations
Greetings Parents!
Interested in volunteering? Science classes are looking for parent volunteers on Feb 1st and 2nd. Students will be participating in STEM activities to prepare for the Oakland Schools STEMi Truck experience. If interested in helping, you will need to complete two forms that are attached below.
1. Science 6th Grade STEM Parent Sign-Up (read form for additional details)
2. District Background Check - Volunteer Form (Scroll to the bottom and click on the blue volunteer button. This must be completed AGAIN for 2nd semester and takes up to 48 hours to process)
As always, thank you for your continued support and involvement in supporting science education!
Sincerely,
The 6th Grade Science Team
Mrs. Belli, Mr. Blatt & Mrs. Dershem
Project Bracelet
Wrapping up Quarter 2 "RAP"
The following students went above & beyond with the READING APPRECIATION PROGRAM for Quarter 2. Keep up the great reading. Quarter 3 begins on Monday, January 22nd.
ESSAY CONTEST OPPORTUNITY
Important Info. for 8th Grade Parents
International Academy (8th Graders)
The application window is from November 1st to January 29th.
Click on this link for details: https://www.iatoday.org/okma/prospective-students
See our WBMS 8th grade counselor, Mr. Levitan, for more details or send an email to steven.levitan@wbsd.org.
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
8th Grade Trip to Cedar Point
DATE OF TRIP: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
DESTINATION: Cedar Point
METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION: Motor coach (National Trails)
STUDENT COST: $80.00 per student CHAPERONE COST: $60
PLANNED DEPARTURE POINT AND TIME
FROM: West Bloomfield Middle School
EXPECTED TIME OF DEPARTURE: 7:15 AM SHARP!!!
EXPECTED TIME OF RETURN: 9:30 PM
We will begin collecting permission slips & payment on February 6th.
(see scheduled dates listed on the attached document- Tuesdays will be A-L and Thursdays M-Z)
The LAST day to submit permission slip & payment will be Friday, March 22, 2024
PERMISSION SLIP & ALL details are outlined in the attached document:
Upcoming Dates
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 24th
Wednesday, February 7th
Wednesday, February 28th
Wednesday, March 13th
Wednesday, April 24th
Wednesday, May 8th
Wednesday, May 22nd
Other Important Dates
January 22nd- Second Semester (Quarter 3 Begins)
January 22nd- Reading Appreciation Program (RAP Books for Q3 available for checkout at WBTPL)
January 22nd-26th- NWEA Math Testing
January 29th-Feb. 2nd- NWEA Language Arts Testing
January 23-February 1- Student Xello Career Exploration implementation in Social Studies Classes
January 29th: Assembly: 2nd Hour- 8th Grade, 3rd Hour- 6th Grade, 4th Hour- 7th Grade
February 1-2: 6th Grade Science Stations- Parent Volunteers needed
February 2nd - Casino Night @ Glen Oaks Country Club
February 5-9: STEMi Truck onsite for 6th Grade Science Classes
February 8th - WBMS Student Valentine's Dance 4-6 PM
February 15th- HOUSE PHOTOS- Group photo of each house (1:30-3:00 PM)
Febrary 5th - March 15th- WIDA testing
May 8th - Orchestra Concert
May 13th - Dodgeball Tournament (Student Council)
May 15th - Volleyball Tournament
May 17th - Spirit Week Dance
May 28th - 8th Grade Cedar Point Trip
May 31st - 8th Grade Dance
WBEF Fundraiser- CASINO NIGHT
The WBEF Grant Committee selected 57 proposals to be funded in the 2023-2024 school year totaling $33,331. The WBEF committee noticed a theme of requests for social emotional supplies and books focusing on history, diversity, and inclusion. We are very excited at WBMS!
NINE WBEF Grants were funded for WBMS & programs are being implemented already!!!
- Principal Gardner's and Dr. Bazzi's Book Club WBMS $425.00
- Bringing History Alive With Historical Fiction Novels, Mrs. Graham WBMS $570.00
- CELEBREMOS la cultura-Teaching the kids to be more culturally aware and embrace different people and cultures, Dr. Manetta WBMS $750.00
- Mindfulness Learning, Ms. Hudson-Jackson WBMS $713.26
- WBMS iCenter Graphic Novels, Ms. Waller WBMS $750.00
- Technology 3D Pens, Mr. Evans WBMS $750.00
- Bringing Ancient History Alive (providing hands on, STEM-based activities for students), Mrs. Cowell WBMS $750.00
- WBMS iCenter Makerspace, Mrs. Carson WBMS $750.00
- Games for the iCenter, Mrs. Carson/Ms. Putrus WBMS $750.00
Join us for a FUN EVENING to raise $$$ for the WBEF. CASINO NIGHT is the ONLY fundraiser for WBEF. We look forward to seeing YOU at the event!
WBMS is sponsoring raffle baskets at the event: VIP tickets for upcoming events at WBMS-- including reserved seats & parking for the 8th grade promotion ceremony. Tickets for Aladdin Jr & some surprise offers to highlight/honor your student at WBMS! You must attend CASINO NIGHT to participate in the raffles. Get your ticket today.
Remember to VOTE on February 27th
On the Presidential Primary Ballot, February 27, 2024, the West Bloomfield School District will be voting on the following operating millage renewal. The actual ballot language is below:
West Bloomfield School District Operating Millage Renewal Proposal
This proposal will allow the school district to maintain the
number of mills required to be levied for the school district to
receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance and renews
millage that will expire with the 2024 tax levy.
Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation of 18.6967 mills ($18.6967 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, and 4.6587 mills ($4.6587 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) against principal residences, qualified agricultural property, qualified forest property, supportive housing property, property occupied by a public school academy, industrial personal property and commercial personal property, in West Bloomfield School District, Oakland County, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 10 years, 2025 to 2034, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect from combined property taxes authorized herein if the millage is approved and levied in 2025 is approximately $13,371,684 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2024 tax levy)?
Key points:
This is not a tax increase. This is a renewal of an existing millage.
This makes up approximately 17% of our budget.
The non-homestead millage proposal is only for non-homestead properties, like commercial, business, rental properties, vacant land, and second-home property owners. This portion does not impact primary residence.
There is an Operating Millage Renewal FAQ on the district website that contains facts about the ballot proposal.
Paid for by: West Bloomfield School District, 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324
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.
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
Brandy Wilson (7): brandy.wilson-oconnell@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!
WBMS Wrestling for 6th, 7th & 8th grade students
West Bloomfield School District would like to welcome you to join us for the 2023-2024 wrestling season.
Wrestling is open to both middle school boys and girls, grades 6-8. All practices and home meets will be held at West Bloomfield Middle School.
Coaches: Carlos Acosta (coach.acosta@yahoo.com) &
Tom DeGrand (thomas.degrand@wbsd.org)
Important Dates/Info:
● Season Begins: Monday, January 22, 2024
● Season Ends: Monday, March 18, 2024 (tentative)
● Practices: Monday through Friday (3:30-5:00 pm)
● Dual Meets: Mondays and Wednesdays starting February 5th (tentative)
● Tournaments: We will participate in 3-4 Saturday tournaments.
● Physicals and all other required athletic participation forms through FinalForms are due by Monday, January 22, 2024.
A student will NOT be allowed to participate in practice until they complete FinalForms.
○ Register and complete all forms via FinalForms: www.westbloomfield-mi.finalforms.com
**Physicals and FinalForms must be completed in order to participate.**
Other Notes:
● Headgear and wrestling shoes can be purchased at any sporting goods store or online.
● We will have an online apparel store (High Performance Sports) open at the start of the
season. Items will include hoodies, t-shirts, shorts, etc. Purchasing of items is optional.
● Mandatory parent meeting after first practice (Jan. 22, 2024 @ 5:00 pm).
Let’s have a great season!
WBMS PTO
Meeting this week: Jan. 24th at WBMS
All parents are invited & welcome to join. Our WBMS PTO Meeting: Wed, January 24th @ 7 PM .
We will meet in the teacher's lounge. Enter through the main office.
WBMS Spiritwear Store is OPEN
SHOP ONLINE - shop.winningimprints.com/wbms-lakers/
through January 24th
PTO Fundraiser - Buddy's Pizza January 25th
Come eat at Buddy's Pizza in Farmington Hills on Thursday, January 25th, to support your WBMS PTO!
Click the link below to RSVP.
We need VOLUNTEERS- Saturday, Feb. 3rd- Chess Tournament at WBMS
Please consider signing up to help out at the Michigan Chess Tournament hosted at WBMS on Saturday, Feb. 3rd. SIGN UP GENIUS
Upcoming Bagel/Donut Sales
BAGEL Sale, Friday, January 26th.
The next donut sale will be Friday, February 2, 2024.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is the first week in May. We are collecting gift cards as tokens of appreciation/prizes for our teachers, and they will be distributed throughout teacher appreciation week. Please consider purchasing a gift card & send it in to our school secretary, Mrs. Fran Seleski, in the main office. We need all gift cards by April 26th. Thank you!
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
Reminders
School Procedures
- Students must have their lanyard and student ID on them at all times.
- The STUDENT ID is necedssary in the lunch line- every student is scanned when they receive their school lunch. The STUDENT ID is also necessary for book check out in the iCenter.
- IDs are checked upon entering the gymnasium and iCenter for lunch recess. 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
CONSEQUENCES FOR FIGHTING
The WBMS administrative team is responsive to physical fights on school grounds. The following procedures are in place for physical altercations:
- 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 student conduct procedures/consequences, please contact Mr. Gardner, Mr. Evans, Mrs. Carson or Ms. Barnes at your convenience.
Thank you for supporting student safety and comfort!
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.
TARDY PROCEDURE
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.
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!
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.
West Bloomfield Middle School
David Gardner, Principal
Jermaine Evans, Assistant Principal
Cindy Carson, Assistant Principal
Haley Barnes, Dean of Student Services
Email: cindy.carson@wbsd.org
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/west-bloomfield-middle-school
Location: 6000 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI
Phone: 248-865-4480