Bobcat Blitz

The weekly newsletter from Whiteford MS/HS - Updated 10/4/24

Principal's Update

October is College/Career month, and we will recognize this with staff/students wearing clothing that endorses different colleges, trades/careers, or military branches. Mr. Groch and Ms. Head will also be meeting with our seniors throughout the month to help them apply to colleges/trade schools of their choosing, and to help advise them regarding the next steps in their educational journey.

We have rounded the halfway mark of the first marking period and have had our first athletic eligibility check for the fall. Parents are encouraged to keep informed of their student's current grades by using the Schoology learning management system. Students can access this through their school devices, and parents can also access their students' information by going to the school website and clicking on the Schoology link. For help, parents should reach out the Corey Mills (mills@whiteford.k12.mi.us).

On Wednesday, October 9th, we will conduct a safety drill at school that entail use of our "Lockout USA" Boot/Lighting system; this drill will entail what is called a "teach in place" for students/teachers: meaning there is not an imminent safety threat, but there is need for clear hallways and privacy throughout the school. A "teach in place" is most often used for student/staff medical emergencies, but it can also be employed when there are potential safety concerns that allow for instruction to continue, but may prohibit movement throughout the building/grounds. Please do speak to your student about the seriousness of safety drills in school. If a student attempts to enter the building during any sort of "lockdown" or "teach in place," they would notice the flashing lights in the hallways and return to their vehicles until the conclusion of the situation/drill. The same goes for parents/visitors during drills.

Spring Testing results from 2024 will be sent home with students this week. Please do review the scores and have a conversation with your student as necessary; for help interpreting scores, please contact jeremy.fielder@whiteford.k12.mi.us. Understand that standardized tests are just one small measure of student learning/achievement.

Middle school parents should be advised that our behavior incentive Toledo Walleye Hockey game is scheduled for December 4th, and that points will begin accumulating for behavior infractions. Please do scroll to review the complete letter.

Please do support our Whiteford Recreation and Girl's basketball programs by ordering spirit wear at the links below.

Whiteford Recreation spirit store (supports Whiteford Rec- STORE CLOSES SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5th): https://whitefordbobcats24.itemorder.com/
Girl's basketball spirit store: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/vYpsKSer8z

Homecoming Week - "Destinations"

Homecoming week was full of fun activities enjoyed by both students and staff. Here is a recap of our floats, Homecoming Royalty, and Homecoming dance!

Whiteford Agricultural Schools Community Survey

We are seeking feedback from those individuals that live and are registered to vote within the Whiteford Agricultural School District. The purpose of this survey is to seek input from Whiteford residents regarding possible future facility and campus improvements. The projects utilized in the survey are those that were part of the previous bond campaign in August 2024. The survey is ANONYMOUS and VOLUNTARY. Please complete the Whiteford Agricultural Schools Community Survey by Sunday, October 13, 2024

Toledo Walleye Behavior Incentive/Points letter

MS Parents are encouraged to review the Toledo Walleye Behavior Incentive letter with their students to reinforce the importance of making positive choices throughout the first semester.

WPA Cookie Fundraiser

Please support the Whiteford Parents Association by participating in the Fall 2024 cookie sale! Proceeds are used by the WPA to support building needs, K-12.

The link its shop.gwrcfundraising.com Campaign code 18545.

Athletics

Reminder: The athletic office is now located in the east end of the building, or "Middle School" hallway. During the school day, visitors will have to check in at the main office and receive clearance to visit the athletic office. The best time to visit the school for athletic needs is between the hours of 12-3, as Athletic Administrative Assistant Ashley Van Camp is available in the main High School office at that time.

Whiteford no longer takes cash payments for sporting events. Spectators can purchase tickets using the GoFan website, GoFan App, or use of our debit/credit card readers at the ticket gate. All middle/high school athletic events are $7 for adults, students, and seniors.

Athletic Passes can be purchased online and are $150 for a family all-year pass, $100 for an individual all-year pass, and $35 for student (non-participating current Whiteford students) or senior citizen all-year pass.

Per the Athletic Agreement that was presented at the all-sports parent meeting, on 9/26 we did a preliminary athletic eligibility grades pull. Any student-athlete that is failing two or more classes will be required to sit out for the following week. On 10/3 we did an official pull and student-athletes were notified today (Friday 10/4) if they are ineligible for the upcoming week. The next grades pull will be on 10/17.

What we're doing...

Some of our Varsity student-athletes have been stopping over to visit our young Bobcats. Volleyball players read books on filling each others buckets, being a kind friend, and inclusion. Our Football players stopped by and helped with morning drop off on Friday!

"Let Us Know" Reporting form for students

This form has been created to increase student agency and voice as we maintain and improve a safe learning environment where all students can thrive. Any information provided is collected anonymously, so you will not be identified or contacted regarding anything you may submit. Thank you in advance for providing any information that can improve Whiteford MS/HS and improve your high school experience. We can only improve and address issues when we are provided information. If you need IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, please notify the teacher or main office.

Link: "Let us know" reporting form

Important Information

Student Parking/Entry Doors

Students can park in the lot between the High School and the Elementary School, or behind the new High School gym. Painted spots are reserved.

Students may enter the school through the following doors:

Door K - Students who drive
Doors A/D - Students who are dropped off - there are spots painted "1-4" so students can utilize multiple drop-off points to help facilitate a faster drop off in the morning. Cars traveling East on Consear are encouraged to drop off at door D, while parents coming from Sylvania-Petersburg are encouraged to drop off near door A. The middle driveway in front of the school will be for outbound vehicles.
Doors G/F - Students who ride buses (or students who park behind the HS gym).

Unless a student is eating breakfast (which begins at 7:35), they will have to stay in a designated "waiting area" until the first bell rings at 7:50. This is to ensure proper supervision of learning areas before school. Students who enter through door "F" should wait in the area by door "D" until 7:50, or head to the cafeteria for breakfast.

Note: Locker rooms/gyms will be locked until 7:50. The main gym doors on the West side of the new gym will not be available for student entry.

Pick-up/Drop-off Reminders

MS/HS Drop Off

Consear Road: Parents may drop students off in front of the Middle School OR High School ends of the building. We ask parents to pull forward as much as possible so up to four cars can drop students off at once at each end. Traffic should then exit through the middle driveway in front of the MS/HS building.

Sylvania-Petersburg Road: The traffic flow pattern along the sidewalk in the back of the middle/high school building is designated as ONE-WAY (heading towards Sylvania-Petersburg Road) so that students being dropped-off or picked-up can exit/enter vehicles and not have to walk through vehicles in the parking lot. Your assistance in adhering to this traffic flow pattern will greatly increase the safety for our students.

MS/HS Pick Up

Consear Road: Parents can pick students up in front of the Middle School or High School ends of the building. We ask that parents pull up as far as possible toward the middle driveway so we can avoid traffic back-ups on west-bound Consear Road. Traffic on Consear road will stop to allow buses to exit the parking lot around 3:05 PM each day.

Sylvania-Petersburg Road: Please see above for information regarding traffic flow, but be advised that there will be a large amount of HS student traffic at the end of each school day.

Detailed transportation information and important safety reminders can be found HERE.

Remember...The safety of students, staff and parents is of utmost importance. Please be patient when entering the district's parking lots before/after school.

School Store

We have begun the process of accepting on-line payments using our School Store. You can access the School Store on the district website’s home page button labeled “School Store (On-Line Payments)”. Right now, athletic passes can be purchased through this process. We offer Family ($150), Individual ($100), Student ($35), and Senior Citizen ($35) passes. Note: The Senior Citizen pass is good for individuals 63 years of age and older, and is good for all TCC home/away events.

School meals are free this year, but students who wish to purchase additional lunch items will still have to fill out envelopes with cash/check, as in years past.

Meal Charges and Free/Reduced Applications

Our students will again receive free breakfast and lunch in the State of Michigan. Even though meals are free, it is critical for families that may qualify to continue to complete the Free and Reduced - Price Meal Application (see below). Click the following link to submit your information: https://whiteford.familyportal.cloud/ Here is a PDF letter/guide for families.

Also, please click HERE to visit our family meal purchase guide (for payment info and for those who wish to purchase additional lunch/a la carte items).

Student Grades and Attendance Reporting

Infinite Campus Parent Portal: Student Registration, marking period and semester grades, credits, and attendance are always visible in the Parent Portal throughout the school year. An app can be downloaded to your phone, or you can click HERE for the web version. Students will also have their own login so they can see their information at any time.

Schoology: Our K-12 teaching staff uses Schoology to communicate with students and families, post assignments and grades, and sometimes include instructional videos. Here is a Schoology Parent Account video sharing introductory information about Schoology. If your family has yet to access Schoology or downloaded the App for your phone, you can email your child’s teacher for log-in details or contact Corey Mills for support at: mills@whiteford.k12.mi.us

1:1 Technology

Students will be supplied a Chromebook and a charger for the 2024-2025 school year, and will not be able to access our WIFI network with a personal device. Chromebooks will be distributed on Monday, August 26 from 9:00-12:00 PM, and 1:00-3:30 PM. Insurance for Chromebook is $25.00 for the year; students/parents who elect not to purchase insurance will be responsible for paying for any damage to the Chromebook. Details outlining insurance can be read HERE. In addition, only ACCIDENTAL damage or wear will be covered by insurance. Damage caused by misuse/mistreatment of the Chromebook will be charged to the student, regardless of insurance status. The insurance form and payment can be made through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Volunteer Forms

Whiteford Agricultural School District appreciates your willingness to serve as a volunteer in our district and become a substantial and vital part of our school programs! You can access the form here or from any school office. Please complete both sides of the form and return it to your student’s building office, teacher, or coach. Background checks will be done on an annual basis. The background check process is time consuming; therefore, appropriate lead time must be given to ensure background checks are completed prior to volunteer service at the school or for any function conducted by the school.

Medication

If your student will be taking medication during the school day (including over the counter meds) there are forms that need to be completed and turned in to the office. All medications are stored in the MS/HS office. Students are not permitted to keep any medication, including over the counter, in their locker. Parents must drop medicine off at the MS/HS office, as students are not permitted to do so. The office will be open at Registration Day and Open House to receive any medication that is accompanied with the appropriate forms, which can be accessed by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom/right of the page.

Parapro/Administrative Assistant Substitutes

We are currently in need of Administrative Assistant ($17.65 per hr) and Paraprofessional ($15.00 per hr) substitutes in both our elementary and middle/high school buildings. If you are looking for a fun way to get involved in our amazing school community all while earning a little extra spending cash, please consider filling in as a substitute in one of our main offices or helping our incredible teachers out as a classroom parapro. Interested applicants must apply through Applitrack at: https://www.applitrack.com/monroecounty/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?district=38699

Lunch Menus (link)

Updated Cell Phone Policy

Please be advised of the following policy changes regarding cell phones and other wireless communication devices:

Middle school students are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal devices during classes or passing times. Middle school students may use devices before school, after school, or during lunch only.

High school students may possess their device or store it in their locker during class, but the device must be powered off. If possessed in the classroom, the student is prohibited from using the device unless given express and direct consent from the teacher, dean, principal, or other school personnel. Should the student possess the device in the classroom when not given express permission, the teacher/principal/dean of students has the right to enact discipline based on this policy. Teachers may also designate places in their classrooms where students must keep phones/devices; should students refuse to keep wireless devices in designated areas, they will be found in violation of this policy and subject to discipline. High school students may use devices during passing times, before school, after school, or during lunch.

Air Pods, headphones, or other wired/wireless listening devices are prohibited in hallways and classrooms unless given express and direct consent from the teacher, dean, assistant principal, principal, or other school personnel.

Students who need to communicate with parents in regards to matters of illness, safety, transportation, etc., should communicate through the school office so administration is aware of any visitors to the building, medications, or potential illnesses/safety concerns.

Except as authorized under Board policy, use of WCDs and electronic storage devices in school, on school property, at after school activities and at school-related functions will be subject to disciplinary action.

Reasonable suspicion that a communication device has been used to violate District policies or administrative guidelines shall be subject to disciplinary action and may result in the communication device being confiscated.

Wireless Communication Device (WCD) Discipline Protocol

First offense - Device is confiscated by school personnel. The administrator will return the phone or device in question at the end of the day. The parents will be informed. The phone or device may be prohibited from school for a period of at least two weeks, and may be prohibited for the remainder of the semester/school year, depending on the nature of offense. The infraction will be documented.

Second offense - The device is confiscated by school personnel and delivered to the office. The parents will be informed and the student will be assigned a detention, restorative action, or other disciplinary action will occur. The phone or device will be returned at the end of the school day; the phone or device will be prohibited from school for a period of one-to-two weeks and may be prohibited for the remainder of the semester/school year, depending on the nature of offense. The infraction will be documented.

Third and successive offenses - The device is confiscated by school personnel and delivered to the office. The parents will be informed and the student may be subject to a one-day in school or out-of-school suspension. The phone or device in question will not be returned until a parent comes in to pick it up. The phone or device will be prohibited from school for a period of at least two weeks, and may be prohibited for the remainder of the semester/school year, depending on the number and nature of previous offenses. The infraction will be documented.

Post-Graduation Informational Packet

It's never too early to begin planning for the future! Per Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 380.1293, school districts are required to provide pupils in grades 8-12 with this Post-Graduation Opportunities Informational Packet. The site helps students and parents learn more about Colleges/Financial Aid, entering the workforce after graduation, and entering the military.

Whiteford "LET US KNOW" Student Reporting Form

This form as been created to increase student agency and voice as we maintain and improve a safe learning environment where all students can thrive. Any information provided is collected anonymously, so you will not be identified or contacted regarding anything you may submit. Thank you in advance for providing any information than can improve Whiteford MS/HS and improve your high school experience. We can only improve and address issues when we are provided information. Our goal is to address major concerns that may arise in relation to the topics listed below. If you need IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, please notify the teacher/office, immediately.

LINK: LET US KNOW STUDENT REPORTING SURVEY