October 16: Late Start
October 30: Late Start

November 5: No School for Students

Michigan Design Council announced the 2025 Michigan Design Prize challenge at a special launch event at West Bloomfield Middle School. WBSD students have won 12 prizes in the last 9 years! Several of those students were present at the launch, encouraging their fellow Lakers to get creative and try! here is a Splash segment by CCTV on the launch.

Our mission in West Bloomfield is to support each student’s needs by providing them the opportunities, experiences, and educational tools for their journey ahead. One way that we ensure that students get the best experiences and have access to the best tools is through our curriculum review cycle. Our goal is to evaluate curricular resources every five years on a staggered cycle to determine if the resource best serves the needs of students, staff, and families.

This year, our English department will be evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the resources and instructional design for Secondary ELA classes. In addition to achievement data, student surveys, and teacher surveys, we believe it is also critical to collect feedback from our parents and guardians. If you have a student in grades 7-12, please help us effectively evaluate this resource by providing your perspective. This survey will take very little of your time but will give us great insight into doing what is best for our learners.

Please CLICK HERE to learn more about the survey. The video provides an 8-minute explanation of why the survey matters so much, and then after that there is a read aloud/description of each question if you need assistance with the survey.

Click here to complete the survey by or before October 16th.

Sincerely,

WBSD Learning Services

The Road Commission of Oakland County's contractor is anticipating starting work on the preservation overlay on Walnut Lake Road from Haggerty to Inkster Road the week of 10-7-24. While this is outside our district boundaries, many access this route to and from school.

All work is done under flagging control, however they anticipate delays. The milling operations will likely start prior to schools starting, however that is a quicker operation. Paving will not start until schools are in, but will impact dismal times. The work is anticipated to last at least two weeks but that is weather dependent.

Please also note that when paving, traffic has to wait until the fresh asphalt is rolled at least one time to traverse over it. Therefore, flaggers sometimes tell people they cannot enter/exit or turn around. They added that if drivers are patient they can pass within five minutes or so.

Questions should be directed to the Highway Maintenance Department of the Road Commission.

October Elementary School, Middle School, and High School Menus are here

Parents of WBSD students can apply to receive six non-perishable meals each Friday of the school year. The goal of Fueling Kids' Futures is to make sure no child goes hungry on the weekend. Run by volunteers, there is NO cost to the families. For the application, click here.

Save the Date: the major fundraiser for Fueling Kids' Futures is Trivia Night Friday, November 8.

Check out the newsletter for events, opportunities, and more! From Sonja James, WBSD Executive Director of Educational Equity and Inclusion

Throughout the academic year, we celebrate a variety of traditions and holidays that hold deep significance for many of our students. It is our goal to ensure that the entire West Bloomfield school community is informed about these important occasions, which are embraced by both students and staff.

As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, it’s important to note that several major Jewish holidays fall within October. During this time, many of our Jewish staff, students, and families may be unable to attend classes or participate in school events due to religious observances.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are among the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. These sacred days are marked by worship services, time with family and community, and abstention from work and extracurricular activities. In 2024, the dates for these holidays are as follows:

• Rosh Hashanah: October 2-4 (begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and ends at sunset on Friday, October 4)
• Yom Kippur: October 11-12 (begins at sunset on Friday, October 11, and ends at sunset on Saturday, October 12)

In keeping with our commitment to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity, we ask that you consider these holidays when planning assessments, projects, or presentations in your classes. Please note that there is no school on Thursday, October 3.

Please be reminded that documented absences for religious observances will be considered excused, with no negative consequences for students or staff. We appreciate your understanding of the significance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and their potential impact on staff and student participation.

Thank you for your continued efforts in creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all.

Respectfully,

Sonja James

Executive Director of Educational Equity and Inclusion

Drop-in paraeducator interviews on Friday, October 4 from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. at WBSD ACS Building-5810 Commerce Rd. West Bloomfield.

Multiple positions are available working with students of all ages from preschool through post-secondary.

• Competitive pay and excellent benefits
• Four-day per week and five-day per week positions available
• Additional pay if you have a degree (associate's degree or higher)
• No appointment is needed. Bring a resume and a list of references.

West Bloomfield Parks has partnered with West Bloomfield Township, the West Bloomfield School District and the West Bloomfield Public Library to host our annual Heroes Appreciation Breakfast. We appreciate the hard-work and sacrifices made by those in the military and this event is our way to honor and recognize those individuals and their families.

November 2, 2024, from 9–10:30 am at the West Bloomfield Middle School

Whether you are a veteran or non-veteran, this event is open to you. Veterans and one guest are able to attend for free. Additional guests or non-veterans can attend for $15. ​

Event will include:

• Breakfast
• Presentation by the West Bloomfield Honor Guard
• Guest Speaker Brigadier General Ravindra Wagh
• Live Entertainment by Harmony Town Chorus

To learn more or to register visit wbparks.org/heroes

• Check out the Athletics calendar here for upcoming events.
• Shop Laker spirit gear here.
• Download Go Fan to purchase tickets for upcoming WBHS games

On Saturday, October, 5th, at 2 p.m. come see The Rainbow Fish , a 45-minute play at West Bloomfield High School. For an additional $5 you can get a special backstage pass in which children can get their photo taken on stage after the show with their favorite cast members, get to hold a jellyfish umbrella, and receive a signed copy of the program. All proceeds go toward the WBHS Theatre IV class' traveling production they take to MIFA this year. The Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association (MIFA) empowers students to become proficient and ethical communicators, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and leaders in a democratic society through interscholastic speech, theater, and debate activities for middle and secondary school students.

Fall Play-Save the Date!
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Nov 14, 15, 16 at 7 p.m.

Nov 16 at 1 p.m. - an American Sign Language interpreted matinee

Math Pentathlon teaches and reinforces basic math concepts and skills, stimulates creative thinking, develops problem-solving skills, develops spatial computational and logical reasoning, and good sportsmanship.

Practice Dates and More Info, Click Here

Division 1: K-1st Grade

Division 2: 2nd & 3rd Grade

Division 3: 4th & 5th Grade

Division 4: 6th & 7th Grade

If approved by voters, library millage funds would be used for:

• replacement of aging building components
• updates to IT Infrastructure, including 24/7 holds pickup lockers
• improvements to programming areas, including the Meeting Room and outdoor spaces
• expanded digital collections (eBooks, eAudiobooks, etc.)

Learn more at wblib.org/millage.

Human Library Event

Saturday, October 5 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Main Library Meeting Room
Drop in during this event to borrow a person instead of a book! Have a conversation with a Human Book about their life experiences.

The concept is simple; you start at the table outside the event, where you will receive guidance from the Librarians on topics available for lending. Once you have chosen which Human Book you'd like to talk to, you can sit and have an open conversation with them. We look forward to seeing you!

This event is hosted in cooperation with the Human Library organization, which aims to challenge stigmas and stereotypes to create more inclusive communities. Similar events have included titles like Neurodiverse, Immigrant, Depression, Atheist, Veteran, and more. Difficult questions are expected, appreciated, and answered.

For Teens, Adults and Seniors. No Registration Required

Board Game Night at the Westacres Branch

Wednesday, October 9 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Westacres Activity Center
Do you love board games? So do we! Come along or bring a friend and choose from a variety of board games to play.

For Teens, Grades 6-12. No Registration Required

• WBSD Employment Opportunities
• GWB Historical Society Events
• Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition
• West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation
• West Bloomfield Township Public Library

We have some job openings!

Please share these opportunities with your friends and family.

Job Postings.

Kiddos explored the new playground at Gretchko Elementary School! The ribbon cutting last Friday celebrated the new outdoor spaces that support physical and social development.