WBSD Weekly Update

Calendar Updates will be published in the WBSD Weekly Update and on the district calendar and social media as they develop. So far we know:

• The 5th grade combined band, orchestra and choir concerts originally scheduled for 1/21 and 1/22 will be rescheduled. Date TBD
• Student Support Services Parent Advisory Committee originally scheduled for 1/22 was rescheduled to 2/26 (same time and location - see flyer below)
• Global Equity Team originally 1/22 has moved to 1/29 (same time and location)
• Athletics and Clubs - please contact your coach or advisor

The WBHS Global Studies of Genocide class visited the Zekelman Holocaust Center on Tuesday, January 7th. A generous grant from the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation covered the museum admission. We were fortunate to have two wonderful education associates, Katie Albert and Rosie Walker, guide us through the museum. Additionally, students had the opportunity to hear Mr. Abe Berman, a next-generation speaker, share his family's history during the Holocaust.

The following remarks were written by students after the visit.,

• The visit didn’t just deepen my understanding of this traumatic event; it made me have this feeling of remorse and want to prevent such things from happening again. – Tanaisha Barnette
• Artifacts of things used on a daily basis were very interesting to see -- things such as games and scarves that were left behind. Jewish people lived everyday lives and this tour showed how all of that was taken away from them. It also showed how many didn’t survive and those that did never saw those family members again – Ciana Campbell
• I visited the Holocaust Center when I was in middle school, but now as an 11th grader, I understand the content so much deeper. – Maddison Johnson
• Walking through the museum helped me to connect what I have learned in my genocide class … I made a connection on the part of the tour where we listened to a testimony of a woman who had been going to school and learning in the ghettos which was dangerous and not allowed. It made me realize that I take even the opportunity to go to school for granted. I learned from this that the Jewish people didn't let the fact that they were in the ghettos stop them from living their lives. – Aniah Russaw

Details can be found here.

• Learn about our curriculum
• Extracurricular opportunities
• Schedules

Remember, word of mouth from our current families is the most important marketing tool. Help us grow WBSD.

West Bloomfield will have limited Schools of Choice openings in our criteria-based STEAM program.

• Grades Kindergarten-5: 100 students
• Grades 6-8 WBMS: 15 Students
• Grades 9-10 WBHS: 85 Students

Our application window closes February 6th, 2025, for the 2025-26 school year. If you have a new student joining us, please apply here during that window!

WBSD offers STEAM as a K-12 specialized criteria-based program. This programming is also offered to residents. Residents must meet the same criteria as Schools of Choice applicants in order to be accepted into the STEAM program. According to Section 105 of the State School Aid act, preference will be given to Schools of Choice applicants that meet criteria and have siblings in the district. Criteria-based testing will take place on February 7th and 8th (after the application window closes). The Lottery for those applicants that meet criteria will take place February 15th, and applicants will be notified of acceptance/non-acceptance by February 21st. Learn more about SOC on our website.

Poster design by WBHS Senior Janay Bearden.

• Shop Laker spirit gear here.

• All Teams Schedule

Lakers take down Technicians WBHS junior Kaela Hall and junior Londyn Hall score against Detroit Cass Tech, read more on the front cover of Student and Athlete

FIRST Lego League EXPLORE makes learning STEM and coding skills fun! All skill levels are welcome!

STUDENT SEASON THEME: Using creative thinking and LEGO technology to explore the layers of the ocean as they “sea” into the future.

Click here to view the SUBMERGED Explore Set and here to check out the EXPLORE story.

Program Highlights:

• Team Meetings will begin February 13, 2025
• Ten meetings total, plus the LakerBot Event (Showcase Event on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. - noon at West Bloomfield Middle School
• One 90 minute in-person meeting per week on Thursdays at Doherty, Gretchko, Sheiko, and Scotch directly after school
• Each school will have 1 "Teacher Leader" as a facilitator, however, we will need 1-2 parent volunteers for every 6 students to help coach teams. The number of volunteers will determine the number of teams we will offer. Guarantee your child's participation by volunteering to coach.
• Online registration is OPEN. Parent Coach Meeting is at 6:30-8 p.m. on 1/29 at Sheiko Elementary iCenter. RSVP here.

Our West Bloomfield Preschool Academy 4-year-old program is free for all and you can enroll now for this school year! Call 248-865-6466 if you would like help selecting WBSD locations with space currently available.

West Bloomfield Educational Foundation continues to fund innovative ideas from WBSD teachers in academics, arts, STEM, and mental health. Here are some photos of WBEF grant projects in action at the WBMS iCenter!

Did you know the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation (WBEF) has provided over $1 million in grant funding to our public school teachers? WBEF has impacted every grade at every school in the district. The WBEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible.

The more donations we receive, the more teacher grant requests we can fulfill. More info at https://www.wbef.org/

The Detroit Red Wings recognized Colleen Mestdagh as one of 25 teachers from across the state deemed "Best in Class." She was treated to two tickets to the game, a pre-game meal, and some Red Wings apparel, along with a Meijer and Little Caesar's gift card. The $12,500 was split among all the honorees.

Bus Tracker will be deactivated, so please join the 800 families already enjoying the advanced features of BusZone. To sign up you'll need to download the app, use our district code 4079WBSD, and know your student ID number from PowerSchool. Be sure to set up both AM and PM routes and take advantage of the push notification feature. Need help? Contact: Tanja Thomas, General Manager, Phone: (248) 865-3682 or email tathomas@durhamschoolservices.com.

All Lunch Menus are located on the Nutrition Services page, use this link.

Did you know Laker Opportunity Center is open to all students in Michigan ages 16-22? Help us share with students who are behind in credits and interested in a different path to a diploma, with the flexibility of online learning and the support of real WBSD teachers.

• Paraeducator for the Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Paraeducator for the Program for Students with Cognitive Impairment

• Resource Room Teacher

• Temporary Elementary Administrative Assistant
• Varsity Head Volleyball Coach

Please share our Job Postings with your friends and family. Several postings are closing soon!

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

Book Lists

· Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Youth)

· Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Teen)

Rockin’ Readers

Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m.
January 21
February 4 and 11
March 11

Main Library – Youth Activity Center
Does your child need help with reading skills such as comprehension, fluency, vocabulary and writing? Join us as we partner with West Bloomfield School District teachers to encourage reading and writing skills in a fun and interactive way.

For Grades K-5. Registration Required

Click here to register