WBSD Weekly Update - Jan. 15
Please be sure to join our United We Walk Virtual Showcase on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 2:30 p.m. via Facebook LIVE on the WBSD Facebook page as well as Civic Center TV.
The presentation will also be simulcast on our the district's radio station, 89.3 Lakes FM.
Important Reminders:
- Monday, Jan. 18 - No School for Students or Staff
- Tuesday, Jan. 19 - Return to In-Person Hybrid Instruction for K-8, Preschool, Cloud Care, Self Contained Special Education, WBTC; WBHS and OEC Remote
- Wednesday, Jan. 20 - Virtual Kindergarten Roundup 2021
- Thursday, Jan. 21 - Hybrid Instruction for K-8, Preschool, Cloud Care, Self Contained Special Education, WBTC; WBHS and OEC Remote (Normal Day)
- Friday, Jan. 22 - No School for Students/Records Day for Staff
In-Person Hybrid Daily Schedules - K-8
Cohort A
- Doherty Elementary 8:25 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
- Gretchko Elementary 9:25 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
- Roosevelt Elementary 9:25 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
- Scotch Elementary 9:25 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
- Sheiko Elementary 8:25 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
- West Bloomfield (Abbott) MS 7:50 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Cohort B
- Doherty Elementary 12:37 p.m. - 3:17 p.m.
- Gretchko Elementary 1:37 p.m. - 4:17 p.m.
- Roosevelt Elementary 1:37 p.m. - 4:17 p.m.
- Scotch Elementary 1:37 p.m. - 4:17 p.m.
- Sheiko Elementary 12:37 p.m. - 3:17 p.m.
- West Bloomfield (Abbott) MS 12:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m
Updated PowerSchool Reminder
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of our UPDATED PowerSchool link following the platform’s transition to the Cloud. Please use the following link to access PowerSchool moving forward: https://westbloomfield.powerschool.com/. Your account information will NOT change due to this upgrade. Please be sure to update any local bookmarks/favorites in your browser settings on your device(s).
For assistance, please contact Sylvia McCoy at sylvia.mcoy@wbsd.org.
Our move to the PowerSchool Cloud will ensure our system is up to date with the standards required to run the system seamlessly for our staff, students and families.
Return to Learn Transportation Reminders
Transportation will begin on Tuesday, January 19 for K-8 students who have opted-in for transportation. Here are some reminders regarding our transportation procedures from the fall:
- Pickup times, drop off times and stop locations have not changed since school was in-session.
- Students are to be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to pick up time.
- To keep all students safe while on the bus, students are required to wear their masks and to use the hand sanitizer when entering the bus.
- Parents of kindergarten and 1st grade students are to be at the bus stop when students are dropped off.
Good Luck Lakers!
Good luck Lakers!!!!
Community Invited - United We Walk Virtual Showcase: Jan. 17
The West Bloomfield School District welcomes community members to the 27th Annual United We Walk Virtual Showcase on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. This virtual celebration will be broadcast LIVE on Civic Center TV, 89.3 Lakers FM and the West Bloomfield School District Facebook page. The theme for this year’s event is "Everyone Can Be Great Because Anyone Can Serve"
The 2021 Virtual Showcase will present a program featuring speakers, presentations and performances celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s Jr’s life, legacy and impact on our country. Following the program, virtual attendees will be encouraged to participate in a virtual one mile walk to simulate the group’s annual walk down Orchard Lake Road. Those participating in this virtual walk will be encouraged to post photos of their walk to their social media channels with #UWW2021.
Prior to the virtual event, at 2 p.m. members of the community will have the opportunity to participate in the UWW watch party event via Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84738480185
Important information related to the event including event links, walk information and how to support our 2021 charity partner, Blessings in a Backpack - West Bloomfield/Keego Harbor can be found on UWW’s website, www.unitedwewalk.org.
Jennifer Graham, United We Walk Adult Chairperson said, “We strive to continue to uplift the life and legacy of Dr. King and keep his dream alive. We invite the community to join us for our first ever, virtual event.”
For more information, contact the United We Walk committee at unitedwewalk@gmail.com.
WBSD Transportation Department earns Recognition
All school buses are required to be maintained in a safe operating condition at all times and must meet or exceed the Federal Motor Vehicle Standard. Our maintenance staff, bus drivers and bus monitors work each day to ensure that our buses are safe and in good repair.
The annual State Police School Bus inspections were conducted in West Bloomfield during December, 2020. All 56 buses were inspected and each bus PASSED the thorough inspection. We congratulate and thank our transportation staff for their efforts and commitment to students safety.
Pictured left to right: Left to Right - Hank Loos, Maintenance Supervisor and Devin Forcier, Technician
Virtual Kindergarten Roundup 2021
Blessings in a Backpack UPDATE
Middle school students can pick up their bags in the School Office .
All Lakers On Line and West Bloomfield High School Students / Parents can pick up their bags in the front circle drive of West Bloomfield High School every Wednesday from 11:30 am -12:30 pm and from 3:30-4:30 pm.
It is not too late to sign up for Blessings in a Backpack!! If you are interested in receiving six non perishable meals each weekend of the school year, please email
Kathetinesheiko@hotmail.com.
WBHS Thanks Mentors
Thank you to all the 2020 Mentors. We so appreciate you guiding our 11th and 12th grade Professional Apprenticeship students. This program continues to be a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with professionals in a field they are passionate about pursuing in the future. Due to the pandemic, the creativity of our mentors and interns found a way forward to continue making this course viable. Your dedication and willingness to ensure our students engaged in meaningful experiences will help them make informed career choices.
Thank you,
Jenifer Rosenwasser
West Bloomfield High School Social Studies Teacher
- Jeffrey Adler - D.D.S. Dentist, Adler Dental
- Katherine Banerian - Teacher, A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School
- Claudia Cheairs - Membership Chair, Detroit Resurrection United Methodist Church
- Harry Cohn - President, Cohn Commercial Properties
- Cassara Cutler - Human Resources, Woodbridge Corporation
- Stephanie Donnay - 4th Grade Teacher - Lakers Online
- Loren Fantich - 5th Grade Teacher - Scotch Elementary
- Julie Feldman - MPH RDN Registered Dietician, President,Thrive Nutrition and Wellness LLC
- Kristina Gibbons - Regional Finance Manager, Woodbridge Corporation
- Jennifer Graham - 1st Grade Teacher - Lakers Online
- Elizabeth Groth - 4th Grade Teacher - Lakers Online
- Paige Hernreich - High School Art Teacher - Walled Lake Schools
- Dr. Anne M. Hooghart - Educational Research Coordinator and Director, Hinoki Foundation, Inc.
- Rev. Carolyn Jones - Reverend, Detroit Resurrection United Methodist Church
- Adrienne Jones Crockett - Music Director, Detroit Resurrection United Methodist Church
- Nicole Kutsick - K-2 Teacher - Doherty Elementary
- Ben Larson-Wolbrink - Reverend, Northbrook Presbyterian Church
- Kasia Lynch - Founder, Ikigai Connections LLC
- Miriam MacLean - Babbitt Chief of Operations, Kirsch Daskas Law Firm
- Abby May - Field Director M11 Michigan Democratic Party
- Skip Mcadams - Fire Commissioner of Warren Fire Dept.
- Ellen K. Michaels - Criminal Defense Attorney, Ellen K. Michaels and Associates PLLC
- Lee Michaels - Business Manager, Avers Investments LLC
- Tracey Michalak - Music Teacher - West Bloomfield Schools
- Ryan Moore - Teacher - West Bloomfield Schools
- Dr. Eranda Nikolla - Professor - Wayne State University
- Norma Okonski - Founder and Executive Director Oakland HOPE
- Michelle L. Richards - Associate Professor of Law - University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
- Kevin Reed - Social Studies Teacher - West Bloomfield High School
- Craig Remmers - Teacher, Oakside Scholars
- Renee Samuels - Special Education Teacher - West Bloomfield High School
- Anthony Sesi - Senior Associate, CMP Real Estate Group
- Debbie Shafran - Special Education Teacher - West Bloomfield High School
- Jennifer Sinkovich - Dog Trainer, Union Lake Veterinary Hospital & Pet Services
- Sydney Stern - Assistant Trainer and Barn Manager, Ascend Equestrian
- Elif Tezel - Graduate Research Assistant, Wayne State University
- Shaura Thomas-Pearsall (Robinson) - 4th Grade Teacher - Sheiko Elementary
- Carissa Vadella - Community Manager, Freelance
- Andria Watha - Art Director, American Institute for Preventive Medicine
- Matt Webb - Associate Vice-President, HNTB Michigan Inc.
- Ber-Henda Williams - Founder/Executive Director, The Power of Girlhood
- Zeke the Barber - Barber/Stylist, Sharp Kuts
WB Optimist Essay Contest - Submissions due Jan. 31
- Eligibility: Open to all students under the age of 19 as of Oct 1, 2020 (and not enrolled as a degree-seeking student of a post-secondary institution)
- Residence: Student must reside in the State of Michigan, Lower Peninsula
- Language: The essay must be written in English only
- How to enter: Students write and submit an essay on their interpretation of this year’s official topic, “Reaching your Dreams by Choosing Optimism”.
This scholarship contest is comprised of 2 levels: A preliminary round, which is conducted by local Optimist clubs across the state (entry deadline is Jan 31, 2021, for West Bloomfield). The winner from each local club advances to the District level, where the overall winner receives a $2,500 scholarship in the spring.
The application, official rules, and entry details can be found on our website: https://michiganoptimists.org/essay
The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield will be awarding $150 to 1st place, $100 to 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place.
All submissions must meet the rules outlined at https://michiganoptimists.org/essay and the author must attend a school in the West Bloomfield School District area.
Local essays should be submitted to gflynn@wbtownship.org. Please include “OPTIMIST ESSAY ENTRY” in the subject line. Also, include your school name in the body of the email. Entries will be accepted until Jan 31, 2021, at 12 PM.
WBSD MEAL SERVICE PICK UP INFORMATION
No cost meals are available for curbside pick up to all children in the community.
Each child will receive:
- 7 breakfast and lunch meals.
- Please pre-order meals on the West Bloomfield School District Food Service page or at the linked order form.
Pick up sites:
- West Bloomfield HS main entrance (4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield)
- Pick-up day: Wednesday or by special arrangement
- Times: 11:30am-12:30pm or 3:30pm-4:30pm or by special arrangement
- Roosevelt Elementary main entrance (2065 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor)
- Pick-up day: Wednesday
- Time: 11:00am-1:00pm
WBSD SMS Text Alerts - Sign Up TODAY!
As you may already know, our district utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more. This resource is on top of the emails and phone messages you already receive from SchoolMessenger.
You can participate in this service just by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our district’s short code number, 67587.
You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our
messages with “Stop”.
SchoolMessenger is compliant with the Student Privacy PledgeTM, so you can rest assured that your information is safe and will never be given or sold to anyone.
MLK Children & Youth Program - Jan 18
OKMA CAMPUS PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS - Class of 2025
APPLICATIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2025 ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED.
- Access the on-line application form HERE.
The deadline for applications for the class of 2025 is January 24, 2021
Virtual Enrollment Meetings
Come join us to learn more about the International Academy and the enrollment process for current 8th graders. Please pre-register for the dates listed below by clicking on the link for the registration form. We will email you a link to a pre-recorded video we ask that you watch before attending our live question and answer sessions on Zoom. The Zoom links will be sent to everyone who pre-registers and they will be posted on the www.iatoday.org website.
West Bloomfield Lottery Date
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
3:00 PM – West Bloomfield H/S. Media Center,
4925 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield
248-865-6720
Please feel free to contact the enrollment office (248) 341-5900 if you have further questions.
WB Township Library Information
Reading Lists for Kids
Winter Reading Program - Chapter Books and Graphic Novels (Kids)
Winter Reading Program - New Picture Books and Easy Readers (Kids)
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Virtually @ Your Library
On January 18 at 10 AM, join Miz Rosie on a storytelling journey and learn through African Tales. Her interactive “edutainment” will educate, enlighten and entertain. At 2 PM, watch an ensemble of dynamic dancers use break dancing and audience participation to explore hip hop’s rich cultural history and its message of respect for self and others. Principles of Hip Hop focuses on youth empowerment, diversity, creativity and working together. Both programs are for all ages, will take place on Zoom, and are open to anyone with a library card in our system. Register to receive connection details.
Join guest host Deb Macon at 7 PM for a special BOOKED for the Evening discussion of The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. by Peniel Joseph. This program will take place on Zoom and is limited to West Bloomfield Library cardholders. Register to receive connection details.
Virtual Book Discussion (Grades 6-12)
January 25 @ 7 PM on Zoom
Join us for teen book discussions. January's title is "The Beast Player" by Nahoko Uehashi
Register to receive connection details
Virtual Coding Lab (Grades 6-12)
January 21 @ 7 PM on Zoom
Learn how to code using a Micro:bit, which will be supplied by the Library.
Register to receive connection details
Virtual Oliver’s Animal Adventures (All ages)
Thursdays @ 6:30 PM on Zoom
Join us for an educational and entertaining mix of puppetry and live exotic animals.
Register to receive connection details
NEW! Winter Reading for Grades K-5 through Sunday, February 14
Elementary students can read for fun 30 minutes each week and earn rewards for reaching reading milestones. Choose to read books, eBooks, graphic novels or magazines. Registration is open to K-5 students who live in the Library’s service area and K-5 students enrolled in the West Bloomfield School District with a WBTPL student card. To register, library cards must be in good standing.
Register for the Winter Reading program online or in-person. A packet of information with a reading log will be available after registration.
The West Bloomfield Township Main Library and Westacres Branch are open for Phase 3 services.
In Phase 3, our priorities continue to be the health and safety of staff, users and the community at large and providing convenient access to collections of materials in all formats. An additional goal of Phase 3 is providing access the Library’s public computers, scanners and printers, equipment that we recognize not everyone in our community may have at home. Please see the Library’s website for the latest updates and temporary hours.
Renew or request a library card
Ask at the Main Library Reception desk or the Westacres Branch Circulation desk. You can also continue to renew or request a library card on the Library’s website.
Connect with Us!
Email: daniel.durkin@wbsd.org
Website: www.wbsd.org
Location: 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 865-6420
Facebook: facebook.com/WestBloomfieldSchools/
Twitter: @wbloomfieldschl