Update 2-2

• Each Advisory is encouraged to participate in a contest to creatively decorate their doors with a Black history theme.
• Judging will take place on 2/7/2024, and one winner will be selected per grade level
  
  

• Throughout the month, music by Black artists during passing periods will play to highlight the influence of Black musicians across genres.
  
  

• Each day, a student will share a fact, quote, or story during morning announcements to educate and inspire our students about Black Americans in Labor.

SEEKINIG PARENT PARTICIPATION

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As part of our Black History Month celebration, we are excited to provide our 7th-grade students with an opportunity to learn more about the rich legacy and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

We are looking for parents or guardians who are alumni of an HBCU and would be willing to share their experiences with our students. The event will take place on February 25th, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Your personal stories and insights could help broaden their horizons and encourage them to explore diverse educational paths.

If you are interested in participating or would like more details, please contact Ms. Fatimah Muhammad directly at fatimah.muhammad@wbsd.org.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make our celebration even more special.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
B.E. Planning Committee

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. The required GPA is 3.5 or higher.

*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!

If you have a student interested in riding on the WBMS Equestrian Team, please contact Kelly Robrahn at robrahnfam@gmail.com. Equestrian is a spring sport in middle school and takes place March-May. The WBMS Equestrian Team has two practices a week at a private barn in White Lake, and an end of season show on Saturday, May 17th at Milford High School.

The "State of the Art" Oakland Schools STEMi Truck will be onsite at WBMS Feb. 3-7. All 6th grade science classes will visit the truck for a hands-on opportunity with robotics, AI drawing, autonomous vehicles, 3D graphic design and augmented reality. Oakland Schools brings two staff members and one supervisor on board the STEMi truck to set up equipment and faciliatate the activities.

WBMS Families,

We are excited to share another incredible learning opportunity for our students! If your child is interested in Neuroscience with a focus on the Brain, we invite them to participate in BrainReach, a program led by high school students from the International Academy.

BrainReach’s mission is to inspire curiosity and excitement about science, fostering lifelong learners who may one day pioneer advances in neurology. They are offering 20 slots for students to join their 8-week engaging curriculum, held right here at WBMS.

Program Details:

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Day/Time: Fridays, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM (after school) Start date February 7, 2025
• Location: WBMS (Upper Yellow)
• Cost: FREE!

If your child is interested, please complete the Google Form using the link below. Spots are limited to 20 students, so sign up soon!

[BrainReachWBMS2025]

We look forward to an exciting learning journey with BrainReach! Please reach out if you have any questions.

The 2025 OSTC SW Career Night Open House will be on February 6th from 4:45pm-7:30pm. Doors open at 4:30pm. In addition to all of our programs being open that evening, we will also have the hallways lined with business partners and colleges so families can see the connection between our amazing programs and their students future career pathways.

Although our programs are for 11th and 12th grade students, it is a great event, especially for your 8th grade students to get a taste of what is to come in high school as we partner with West Bloomfield High School.

This free event has been well attended, so reserve your space now. This year we will watch the brand new Cities of the Future, movie highlighting how engineers are making plans for a more sustainable world! After students will build and test a Magnetic Levitating (Maglev) train. Popcorn will also be provided! See a preview of the movie Here.

Monday, February 17, 2025. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Oakland Schools Building 2111 Pontiac Lake Road Waterford, MI 48328

Recommended for 3rd to 8th Grade Students.

Sign up to attend here: www.tinyurl.com/dreambig25

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.

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.

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.

Our Recycling Team will have their next meeting on Friday, Feb. 7th 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

LINK to WBSD Calendar

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.

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.

Copy of the Slides Presented to the 8th Graders

Ms. Jazmine will verify all iChat applications. Reach out for assistance: jazmine.paige@wbsd.org

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.

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

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.

WBMSlakerspto@gmail.com

Quick Links:

Calendar of WBMS PTO EVENTS (Draft 2024/25)

4th Thurs 7pm General PTO Meeting series

Donut/Bagel Sales Volunteer Sign Up Genius

CASA (Chaldean American Student Association)
All students are welcome to attend.

Contact Ms. Jabiro for more information: crystal.jabiro@wbsd.org.

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:

2/4, 2/11 and 2/20

All students are welcome to attend. Ms. Fatimah Muhammad, our school psychologist, facilitates this club.

Mr. Inch, mario.inchaustegui@wbsd.org

Meets every other Thursday in room C132, after school.

Please email Mrs. Abrams if you would like more information about the upcoming book club meetings.

Information Slideshow

sarah.abrams@wbsd.org

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

Mrs. Hanna Kim, hanna.kim@wbsd.org

Meets every other Tuesday after school

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.

Questions regarding athletics may be emailed to the coaches, or Mr. Evans: jermaine.evans@wbsd.org

WBSD ATHLETIC CALENDAR

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.
• WBMS Wrestling Flyer 2024-2025.pdf
• 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:

1. Final Forms Account: Ensure all forms are completed, including basic information and parent/student signatures.
2. Athletic Physical: Must be signed by a doctor and dated after April 15, 2024. Blank Physical Form.
3. 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

• Final Forms Registration
• WBSD Athletic Website & Schedules

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