
Update 1-26
Weekly Update 1-26

West Bloomfield Middle School Family Communication
Update #22: January 26, 2025
Second Marking Period ended on January 17th
Report Cards were posted on PowerSchool January 25th
National Junior Honor Society
WBMS 7th and 8th graders,
We are currently accepting applications for new NJHS (National Junior Honors Society) inductees for the 2024-2025 year. NJHS is an organization that recognizes students who show strong leadership qualities, citizenship, and academics. If you are interested in applying, please stop by Ms. Kim's room (C229) to pick up an application.
The application deadline has been moved from January 31st to February 7th due to the cold days. You may use the GPA calculator HERE to help you determine your GPA.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: If you were already inducted last year, you do NOT have to fill out a new application. However, you will have to email Ms. Kim (hanna.kim@wbsd.org) with your updated GPA and confirmation that you have not received any suspensions since last year.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Kim or Ms. Waller!
8th graders interested in volunteering
We need 20 students to provide tours
Parents of the Rising 6th Grade Class will be at WBMS on Tuesday, January 28th. They will meet in the auditeria for a short presentation at 6 PM and then receive a tour of the building.
Are you an 8th grader who enjoys speaking to people?
Do you know your way around the WBMS school campus & feel confident in providing a tour to a group of 20-25 parents?
Complete this Google Form - we will accept the first 20 applicants
Are you involved in WBMS extracurricular activities, a club, and/or a sport?
Share what you LOVE about WBMS and help us welcome the families of our Rising 6th Grade Class.
Your committment will be to arrive at 5:15 PM on Tuesday, Janaury 28th and stay until 7:15 PM.
If you are selected, Mrs. Carson will confirm your participation through an email on Monday, January 27th.
If you are a NJHS student, this will count toward your volunteer hours.
Please reach out to Mrs. Carson with any questions. cindy.carson@wbsd.org
Kids In Charge Lesson
Kids in Charge is a drug prevention program that works to educate students on the dangers and risks that come with substance use. KIC focuses on empowering students to use effective refusal skills, helpful coping skills and identifying and reaching out to safe and trusted adults.
There will be four Kids In Charge lessons at the middle school level. WBMS teachers will facilitate the lessons. We will have one lesson per quarter.
The second lesson, focused on alcohol, recently took place during our science classes. 8th graders will have their lesson this week, January 31st.
Ask your student about Kids In Charge and what they learned during the lesson.
The topics for the lessons are as follows:
Lesson 1: Nicotine
Lesson 2: Alcohol
Lesson 3: Marijuana
Lesson 4: Making Good Choices
Kids In Charge is supported by the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition
This information is factual and will give them the power to make smart choices as they get older. Peer pressure is hard to overcome so knowing the risks of substance use before it is too late is extremely powerful.
Black Excellence Planning Committee - Student Opportunity
We are excited to announce an opportunity for students to be part of the Black Excellence Planning Committee as we prepare for Black History Month. This committee will consist of 25 students who will play a key role in organizing and celebrating Black History Month initiatives.
More information regarding the events planned will be coming soon.
Students MUST have their WBMS ID to enter RECESS, SNACK LINE, & check out books
January 21st is the first day of the 2nd Semester.
With the start of the new semester we will no longer be distributing temporary ID stickers.
In the event a student leaves their ID & lanyard at home, they will not be allowed to attend recess. Students without lanyard and ID, will report to the recess detention area. NO ID also means NO book check out from the iCenter and NO access to the snack line in the auditeria.
Thank you for your support to encourage our students to practice safe habits.
IMPORTANT: Disciplinary Action Update
At WBMS, restorative practice is always the first point of action when dealing with student behavior and discipline. From there, interventions get progressively more severe depending on the Code of Conduct violation. One of the earlier points of intervention is after-school detention. Beginning January 13th, 2025, if your WBMS student misses two or more after-school detentions unexcused, they will receive an in-school suspension as a result. Please reach out to our administrative team with questions.
Advanced Math Information
Guidelines for Entering and Continuing in Advanced Math
Please read through the following information regarding our Advanced Math programming. We will no longer be administering an Advanced Math placement test. Criteria for placement in advanced classes is outlined below.
Entering Advanced Math:
Students may join advanced math:
At the start of a school year.
As a new student enrolling during the school year.
In rare cases, mid-year transfers may be allowed based on individual circumstances and reviewed case-by-case.
Entry Criteria:
To qualify for advanced math, students are expected to meet the following:
NWEA Math Assessments: Consistently score in the 80th percentile or higher on the current year’s NWEA math assessments.
Test Average: Maintain a course assessment average of 90% or higher
Self-selection Opportunities: Students and families may have the opportunity to self select into advanced math if they do not meet the aforementioned criteria. In these circumstances, consultation with administration and counseling staff is required.
Continuing in Advanced Math:
Continued success in advanced math generally requires the following standards:
NWEA Math Assessments: Score in the 80th percentile or higher on the spring assessment.
Test Average: Maintain a course assessment average of 85% or higher
Recommendations: Continued teacher, counselor, and parent support
At the end of the year, any student that scores in the 80th percentile or higher on the Spring NWEA Math Assessment and an 85% or higher on the final exam will have clearly demonstrated their readiness for the next grade level of advanced math. At the same time, we recognize that it is a possibility that some of our students may not reach these benchmarks at the end of the year. We understand that NWEA assessments and final exams are only two pieces of a much larger picture of student progress achievement. As such, we will collaborate together to recommend the best possible placement for the next school year. Please know that we will support and honor those students/families that want to continue the advanced math journey if they do not meet this criteria.
Recycling PAPER at WBMS
Next Steps for our Recycling Team
Our Recycling Team will have their next meeting on Friday, January 31st during advisory.
We will meet in the teachers lounge at 8:20. A list of names will be sent out to the teachers. Students who applied for the recycling team will receive an email confirmation.
You may notice the Paper Retriever Bin located on the North side of WBMS, near the receiveing entrance. This bin is ONLY for the designated materials. NO TRASH.
We are coordinating a system for internal recycling of paper.
Our community members are also allowed to drop paper into the bin for recycling.
Heart Check Event at WBHS
Attention parents of kids at least 13 years old!
On February 1st, Beaumont is bringing FREE student heart checks to WBHS. These critical screenings are NOT part of regular physicals, and the stakes are high: every 3 days, a student athlete's life is tragically cut short by Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Is your child at risk? Register now to secure a spot and get peace of mind. Don't wait - priority registration is exclusive to WB students ages 13-18 for a limited time only.
To date Beaumont has screened 21,418 students:
- 2,307 students could continue sports, but we recommended a follow up with their pediatrician.
- 234 students were advised to stop sports until further evaluation by a cardiologist for a variety of cardiac abnormalities such as WW, Long QT, Bi-cuspid Aortic Valves, etc.
- 9 students were later diagnosed with HCM.
- A heart check is a simple non-invasive screening to look for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which does not usually have symptoms.
Girls sign up: secure.beaumont.org/StudentHeartHealthScreening/Home/ScreeningSubmission?screeningEventId=59
Boys sign up: secure.beaumont.org/StudentHeartHealthScreening/Home/ScreeningSubmission?screeningEventId=60
Volunteer Opportunity - Chess Tournament Concessions
The West Bloomfield Middle School will be hosting The Elementary/Primary Team Chess Tournament again this year. This was a huge Fundraising opportunity for the PTO as we were able to provide Concessions for this event throughout the day. In order to make this event a success we are in need of volunteers. This event takes place on Saturday February 8th. Please consider signing up for one or more of the available slots.
Here is the sign up genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AADA92AABFAC70-54441532-2025
Talent Show Update
Parents... keep an eye out for emails from the talent show plannning team.
Due to some unforseen circumstances, we have a new planning team that is working on the Talent Show.
We look forward to highlighting the WBMS students and their unique talents.
Thank you for your patience as we work through the transition.
Class of 2029 - 8th Grade SWEATSHIRTS
USE THIS LINK to place your order for an 8th Grade Sweatshirt.
A parent will need to create an account & order online.
Log IN
Click on Products
Select the color & size, enter your last name for the back of the shirt.
We are NOT taking orders at the school.
8th Grade Parents - SAVE THE DATE- March 4th @ 7 PM
Parents of Rising Freshmen
3/4/2025, 7 p.m.
West Bloomfield High School, 4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield
Come learn about West Bloomfield High School -- and how we work with families to develop socially responsible citizens empowered to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global society, and who are characterized by curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate.
Meet the staff.
Ask questions.
Call or email Principal Eric Pace to schedule a personal tour (248) 865-6720 eric.pace@wbsd.org.
There is a link to last year's presentation at the bottom of this page:https://www.wbsd.org/west-bloomfield-high-school
Lanyards ARE Expected EVERY DAY/ALL DAY
Parents we need your help to reinforce this expectation for ALL students
It is a safety measure to have appropriate school identification for all WBSD staff members and our students.
The expectation is that ALL WBMS students will wear their lanyard wallet on the front side of their body at all times throughout the school day. This is for safety and identification purposes. Please help us to ensure that each student has proper identification.
The wallet may be decorated. DO NOT cover the the clear plastic window. DO NOT modify your ID card, this includes covering your face or smearing out the image.
You may choose to swap out the string, however the wallet portion is a requirement.
Photo ID cards - $5 Replacement FEE
Students are able to purchase a replacement ID card in the main office. $5 fee per replacement.
Lanyards are an additional $5 to replace.
After-School Detention
We will have after-school detentions this week. Detention will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-4:15 in the Upper Teal House. If your student is assigned an after-school detention, you will receive an automated phone call with details regarding the date and reason for the detention.
Plan to pick up your student at the main entrance of the school at 4:15.
Please reach out to Ms. Barnes at haley.barnes@wbsd.org or (248) 865-4496 with any questions.
Student Disciplinary Records
If you have questions about your child’s disciplinary record, please contact the principal.
David Gardner, david.gardner@wbsd.org
Upcoming Important Dates
Late Start Dates:
February 5th
February 26th
March 12th
April 2nd
April 23rd
May 7th
May 21st
- Feb 17-18 NO SCHOOL
- April 8th PSAT day: 8th grade attends school for the full day (testing in the AM).
6th and 7th graders will arrive at school at 1:20 PM and attend 6th & 7th hour classes ONLY.
Bus transportation will be provided for regular bus routes.
Save the Date... April 8th
April 8th is the PSAT date for our 8th graders
8th graders will attend school all day & take the PSAT test in the AM.
8th graders take the PSAT test, eat lunch and then attend their 6th & 7th hour classes.
6th and 7th graders will arrive at school at 1:20 PM and attend 6th & 7th hour classes ONLY.
Bus transportation will be provided for regular bus routes.
Please mark your calendar & plan accordingly.
Thank you to our PSAT Planning Committee!
Committee Members: Mrs. Stuart, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Chang, Ms. Bell, Mrs. King, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Kellman, Mrs. Magoulick, Ms. Obermeyer, and Mr. Evans
Friday, January 10th we kicked off the PSAT with our 8th graders. All 8th graders attended the PSAT Kick Off Assembly in the Auditeria. We are excited to help our 8th graders understand the components of the PSAT, help them navigate the importace of the test, and ease any feelings of anxiety related to standardized testing.
8th Grade Tutoring for PSAT Prep:
WBMS House Helpers Program
At WBMS, we value the involvement and engagement of our middle school parents in creating a supportive and thriving school environment.
In September 2024, we introduced the House Helpers Program as an innovative way for parents to actively participate in our school community. Built around our unique house system—comprising Upper and Lower Blue, Upper and Lower Yellow, and Upper and Lower Teal houses—this initiative is a middle school adaptation of the traditional elementary "Room Parent" role.
Program Highlights:
Supportive Engagement: Parents assist with activities, provide additional support to classroom teachers, and offer guidance to students who may benefit from extra attention.
Student Interaction: Volunteers interact directly with students, serving as positive role models and friendly sources of encouragement.
School Operations: House Helpers help monitor hallways and common areas, contributing to a safe and welcoming school atmosphere.
Teachers are encouraged to submit specific tasks and requests for parent volunteers, ensuring that the program aligns with classroom and school needs.
How to Get Involved:
- Email our Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Jazmine Paige (jazmine.paige@wbsd.org) to select your preferred volunteer dates.
All volunteers must complete an iChat background check, which can be submitted through our main office. Background checks must be current and approved by the evening prior to the selected volunteer date.
The WBMS House Helpers Program offers a meaningful way for parents to engage with the school, strengthen community ties, and make a positive impact on our students’ experience. We look forward to welcoming more parents into this exciting initiative as it continues to grow.
Ms. Jazmine will verify all iChat applications. Reach out for assistance: jazmine.paige@wbsd.org
Communication is Key
Student Safety is #1
Parents and students should promptly report any safety concerns they hear or see to one of the administrators.
It’s important that we work together to keep our school campus a safe place for all. When student safety is concerned, it's not tattling. Reports are kept confidental.
How to communicate:
- “Talk to Us” feature on our WBSD website
- Call the school office- 248-865-4480
- Email an administrator: david.gardner@wbsd.org, cindy.carson@wbsd.org, jermaine.evans@wbsd.org
As a reminder, students who record altercations or use recording devices inappropriately will face disciplinary action.
End of the School Day is 3:12 - Pick Up Promptly
PARENTS, we need your help. We do not have staff supervision for students who are waiting for a ride home. It would be helpful to have the front of the building cleared by 3:30. We appreciate your help with this.
Student Attendance is IMPORTANT and NECESSARY for school success. Our 7th hour classes run until 3:12, every day. Please make appointments and plans for after school activities that allow for your student to be present in their classroom learning activities until school is dismissed at 3:12. Please reach out to your student's counselor or administration with concerns or extenuating circumstances.
PARENT PICK UP:
Families may choose to park in the lot & have students WALK to your vehicle. Be mindful of pedestrians in the parking lot when driving in/out of the lot. We cannot block the entrance/exit for the buses. Thank you.
Please be cautious in the car line. Students should enter the car on the passenger side of your vehicle. We cannot have students passing between cars and walking across the lanes of traffic in the car line. Please do not double park, leave the passing lane open for cars to pass through.
Students should enter/exit the car at the curb, through the passenger side of the vehicle. Thank you for protecting our students and caring for their safety.
Should you need to pick up your student early, please be mindful of the end of the day routines for students. If you are calling the office to change dismissal plans for your student, it should be done by 2:30 PM.
Pre-order your yearbook today 🙂 The price is now $45
West Bloomfield Middle School PTO
2024- 2025 School Year Officers
President, Renai Mayle
Co-Vice President, Monique Williams
Co-Vice President, Laarnie Magsombal
Treasurer, Sesilee Langs
Secretary, Amanda Oliver
Member at Large, Kristin Murray
Member at Large, Dianne Maury
PR, Terri Hoyer Compton
Please reach out to us via email if you have any questions or if you would like to share your ideas with us.
CASA - Chaldean American Student Association
CASA (Chaldean American Student Association)
All students are welcome to attend.
Contact Ms. Jabiro for more information: crystal.jabiro@wbsd.org.
Girls Empowered
Girls are pre-registered to attend.
The group meets on Tuesdays in Upper Blue, after school. Pick up time is 4:30.
Session 3 begins in January- Girls are pre-registered for the following dates:
1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11
GSA - Gender & Sexuality Alliance
All students are welcome to attend. Ms. Fatimah Muhammad, our school psychologist, facilitates this club.
Photography Club
Mr. Inch, mario.inchaustegui@wbsd.org
Meets every other Thursday in room C132, after school.
Rappin' About Reading Book Club
Please email Mrs. Abeska if you would like more information about the upcoming book club meetings.
WB Wrestling Club
West Bloomfield Wrestling Club focuses on developing the fundamentals of folk-style wrestling, while also focusing on the discipline and mental toughness that are needed to be successful in the sport.
Ages: Kindergarten thru 8th Grade (boys and girls)
Location: West Bloomfield Middle School Multipurpose Room & Gym
Season: November thru March
Coaches: Tom DeGrand, Carlos Acosta, Mike Zimnicki, James Hitchcock, Tim Burzynski, and Greg Goidosik
Contacts: Coach DeGrand (thomas.degrand@wbsd.org) or Andrea Frank (andrea.frank@wbsd.org)
Registration: CLICK HERE
Club Facebook Page: Facebook
Club Website: Club Website
Writing Club
Mrs. Hanna Kim, hanna.kim@wbsd.org
Meets every other Tuesday after school
Fueling Kids Futures (new name for Blessings in a Backpack)
Dear Parents of West Bloomfield School District Students,
If your child is a student (3 to 26 years of age) in the West Bloomfield Schools, s/he can also participate in the 2024-25 Fueling Kids’ Future--One Meal at a Time program (previously known as Blessings in a Backpack). This program sends six non-perishable meals home each Friday of the school year. Its goal is to make sure that no child goes hungry on the weekend. Run by volunteers, there is NO cost to you.
To enroll in this program, please fill out this form and return it to your school office or email it to katherinesheiko@hotmail.com. This registers your child/ren in the Fueling Kid’s Future--One Meal at a Time program and alerts us to any allergies they might have.
Athletic Information
Questions regarding athletics may be emailed to the coaches, or Mr. Evans: jermaine.evans@wbsd.org
Winter Sports Registration - Wrestling & Girls Volleyball
We are excited to announce that registration for WBMS Coed Wrestling and Girls Volleyball is now open!
- WBMS Coed Wrestling (Grades 6-8): Registration closes February 5, 2025.
- Girls Volleyball (Grades 7-8): Registration closes February 5, 2025.
Girls Volleyball is only for Grades 7 and 8 at WBMS.
Here are a few important reminders about participating in WBMS sports:
Pay to Participate
The pay-to-participate fee has been reinstated for the 2024-2025 school year. This one-time yearly fee allows students to participate in multiple athletic opportunities. Please note the following:
- Regular Rate: $225
- Free/Reduced Lunch Rate: $110 (with approved paperwork filed with the Nutrition Office).
- Family Cap: $800 for all athletes in the family, including both Middle School and High School levels.
If your student-athlete is trying out for a sport with cuts, please wait to pay the fee until after team selections are made. For sports without cuts, the fee must be paid before the first practice.
If you have already paid the fee for a Fall sport, you do not need to pay again for a Winter or Spring sport.
League Information
WBMS competes in the COMSAC League (Central Oakland Middle School Athletic Conference).
Coaches communication and practices dates will be forthcoming
Registration Process
All registration must be completed on the Final Forms website: FinalForms Access.
To participate in tryouts or practices, the following must be completed:
- Final Forms Account: Ensure all forms are completed, including basic information and parent/student signatures.
- Athletic Physical: Must be signed by a doctor and dated after April 15, 2024. Blank Physical Form.
- Middle School Athletic Contract: Must be signed for each sport. Athletic Contract.
Note: If you participated in a middle school sport last year, your Final Forms login remains the same. Simply update your information, upload a new physical, and complete the necessary forms.
Important Links
We look forward to continuing another fantastic season of WBMS athletics! If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Administrative Team
David Gardner, Principal: david.gardner@wbsd.org
Jermaine Evans, Assistant Principal: jermaine.evans.wbsd.org
Cindy Carson, Assistant Principal: cindy.carson@wbsd.org
Dean of Student Services
Haley Barnes, haley.barnes@wbsd.org
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/west-bloomfield-middle-school
Location: 6000 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI
Phone: 248-865-4480
SAFE Line to Report Absences: 248-865-4482