WBSD Staff Biweekly Update
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
National School Counseling Week Downloads - Fun Signs for Printing and Posting
February 7 - Late Start, Middle School Parent Info Night 6:30 p.m. WBMS for parents of incoming 6th grade students (5th grade teachers - please share)
February 14 - Count Day
February 19-20 - Mid-Winter Break
February 27 - Operating Millage Renewal on Primary Ballot
Click here to view other important dates.
Catch the Last Staff Meditation
Exciting news! The feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff meditation provides time for you to slow down and regain a sense of calm and relaxation.
Meet Eileen Rose Miles - Video
Last session is February 7, 2024
7 p.m. on Zoom
Instructor: Eileen Rose Miles
Sponsored by: The Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition, Lisa Berkey
RSVP: Email rebecca.heitsch@wbsd.org and you will be added to the calendar invite with the link
Operating Millage Renewal on the ballot February 27
Here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Key points:
- This is not a tax increase. This is a renewal of an existing millage.
- 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.
- This makes up approximately 17% of our budget.
There is an Operating Millage Renewal FAQ on the district website that contains facts about the ballot proposal.
Here is the actual ballot language:
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)?
Distribution of factual materials about the operating millage are paid for by West Bloomfield School District, 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, Ml 48324, 248-865-6490.
WBSD Redistricting Update
The Board of Education approved the redistricting plan shared previously. Here is the map that shows the new boundaries along major roads (click to enlarge). For answers to frequently asked questions about this process, please visit the district website - under About Us, click K-5 Redistricting.
Schools of Choice Window Closes on February 14
Forward Along To An Interested Family
All West Bloomfield School District Schools of Choice openings will be criteria-based through our STEAM program. We have limited openings in the following grade levels:
- Elementary: K-5
- Middle School: 6th grade
- High School: 9-10th grade
The window is open January 16th - February 14th, apply here!
Interested families can visit wbsd.org to learn more about Schools of Choice. When visiting the site, go to the “Parent” tab and then select Schools of Choice. This document provides all of the key elements. Families should email the following address if they have questions they want answered about Schools of Choice or to submit any required materials for the SoC application: soc@wbsd.org
Youth Assistance Nomination Form is Open!
West Bloomfield Youth Assistance recognizes young people from our community for volunteer service, personal growth, and personal leadership. Nominations come from schools, hospitals, religious organizations, fire and police departments, and private citizens. Local, county, and state dignitaries participate in recognizing the nominees, making the annual event very special.
Please feel free to share this information to friends and family members who may want to nominate someone who they believe has made a BIG difference in the West Bloomfield community.
Please contact connie@wbyouthassistance.org or go to our West Bloomfield Youth Assistance (wbyouthassistance.org) for additional information. Click on the link to make a nomination: https://forms.gle/PMijG6EeiHAsi4Cv6
We want to share your wonderful stories with the rest of the community! Please share with us what is happening with your child(ren) and our staff. We would love to hear about your events and activities including awards, honors, good deeds, and accomplishments. Help us share your success stories in art, music, scholastics, athletics, drama, debate, and more. We look forward to sharing your news! Submit a story here.
Goal: one story idea/social media post from every staff member this school year
Spotlight on WBHS DECA
West Bloomfield High School DECA recognized for outstanding School-based Enterprise for the 5th year in a row! DECA Gold Certification! Well done!
Spotlight on WBMS
6th graders experiencing AI drawing with VR headsets on the Oakland County STEMi Truck.
Spotlight on Gretchko 2nd Grade Teachers
Gretchko 2nd grade teachers lunching and learning with Teacher Monica Hammerick in the Maker Space.
WBSD Communications and Branding
Where do I go for a letterhead template or the logo?
To access the branding resources, sign in to the staff section of the district website. Under PR and Communications (center column) click Resources. There you will find the Style Guide with links to all kinds of templates like letterhead using the new logo. Please make a copy of the document you want before making any changes. You can also check the district colors and download the logos.
WBSD Staff Photo Release Form
Staff have asked for WBSD to circulate a release similar to the FERPA form used for students. This way we can ensure staff are comfortable with us using their image in district publications and social media. Please complete if you would like to be excluded from either print or social media. While we love to tell all the good stories happening in our classrooms, we respect your right to privacy. If you have questions, please email rebecca.fannon@wbsd.org. Thank you.
WBEF Casino Night
Stay tuned for photos and highlights.