Bobcat Blitz
The weekly newsletter from Whiteford MS/HS - 05/03/2024
PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE
Dear Whiteford Parents,
May 6th-10th marks a very special week as we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week at Whiteford. Community members, parents, and students are highly encouraged to send teachers emails/messages/cards of appreciation for all their hard work and dedication to our students and school community. Much of our success as a school hinges upon the hard work of dedicated individuals that often goes unseen and unrecognized. This is the perfect time of year to send a positive note/email/message to a teacher or staff member who has positively impacted your student. Staff members will be recognized and celebrated here throughout the week, but oftentimes a personalized note or message can be uplifting and inspiring to those who choose to work with students on a daily basis.
In addition We will have fun activities for both staff and students throughout the week, including a field day for HS students at the end of the day Wednesday, and the return of our "Battlecats" assembly for all students at the end of the day Friday.
This is the official last call for permission slips from students in grades 6-8 for our reward trip to watch the Toledo Mud Hens play at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, May 8th. Students will leave school shortly after 9 AM. The game starts at 11:05, and students will return to school no later than 2:30. Students attending will receive a meal ticket along with their ticket to the game; students are able to bring their own money for snacks/merchandise, but the school is not responsible for any money brought or items purchased at the venue. Unless medically necessary, students will not be able to bring any bags/outside food with them into the venue.
We are finishing up our spring assessments. Here is the schedule:
7th Grade NWEA (students will complete these assessments just once, in Math or ELA class, depending on their class schedule)
Math: 5/9 (A day) 5/14 (B day)
ELA: 5/7 (A day) 5/16 (B day)
6th Grade - NWEA
ELA - Monday, May 6th
Math - Tuesday, May 7th
YOUTH ATHLETIC CAMPS
There are great things happening in Athletics! Check out the link below to see all of the upcoming Youth Camps! You can register by clicking on each camp's heading. It's as easy as that!
Digital Payments = Infinite Campus Fees
Chromebook Fees, "Pay to Play" fees, sports pass fees, field trips, and other school expenses can now be paid through the "Fees" tab on the Infinite Campus parent portal.
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.
Standing Updates/Reminders
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.
Technology Reminders for Spring
Additionally, please take a moment to review the school's Cell Phone/Wireless Communication Device Rules, as we have had an increase in cell phone/chrome book violations and misuse. In regards to Chromebook damage, please review the language from the Chromebook insurance agreement:
"Whiteford Agricultural School District is providing an opportunity to purchase insurance for a district-issued Chromebook assigned to your child. This insurance policy will cover the cost towards damages incurred due to cracked screens, liquid spills, drops, and device failures. Multiple insurance claims may result in future chromebook restrictions and repair fees. The insurance fee does not cover replacement of or damages to the power charger, excessive wear and tear, excessive cosmetic damage, vandalism, negligence of care, fire, abuse, or theft. Replacement fees will be assessed due to excessive damage, vandalism, or failure to return the Chromebook or charger in good working condition at the end of the school year."
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, assistant principal, principal, or other school personnel. 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.
Cell Phone 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.
Contact Us
MS/HS Principal
jeremy.fielder@whiteford.k12.mi.us
734 856-1443 ext. 102
Jeremy Simmons
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
734 856-1443 ext. 103
Ken Groch
Dean of Students 6-12
734 856-1443 ext. 240
Jennifer Head
MS/HS Counselor
734 856-1443 ext. 216
Amanda Duval
MS/HS Administrative Assistant
amanda.duval@whiteford.k12.mi.us
734 856-1443 ext. 108
Malinda Luzier
MS/HS/Athletics Administrative Assistant
malinda.luzier@whiteford.k12.mi.us
734 856-1443 ext. 109