WBSD Weekly Update

On November 21, the Board of Education voted to move forward with the application process of a May 2023 Bond Initiative in a 7 to 0 vote. The presentation that was given to the BOE can be viewed by clicking this link.

The recommendation was to seek preliminary qualification status with the Michigan Department of Treasury for a $148 million, NO millage increase bond issue. The proposition will be placed on the May 2, 2023 ballot. More information to come!

As you may have read, some of our families are currently experiencing issues with the PowerSchool App. PowerSchool made some changes to the App and hopefully, the issue has been resolved. If you are still experiencing issues, please try logging out, shutting the app down, and try using it again. If that does not remedy the issue, please delete the app and reinstall it. If neither of these solutions work, please contact Sylvia Mcoy at (248) 865-6464 or sylvia.mcoy@wbsd.org.

WBSD is experiencing some issues with our Family Portal Online Payment System. The third-party credit card, echeck, and debit card processing system is experiencing issues processing payments. Payments are currently not posting or not posting in real-time. Family Portal has a process called Duplicate Logic in place so that duplicate payments are not processed. Family Portal is working on resolving the issue. In the meantime, you may send in cash or a check to fund your student accounts. Until the problem is resolved, students will not be turned away for lunch.

Additionally, there is a new minimum deposit required for online payments. The minimum amount has increased to $20 per deposit, due to increased fees incurred by the District. Currently, the credit card processing company recognizes each student as an individual item, thus making it necessary to deposit $20 into each child’s account. Since this can add up quickly for our parents, we have discovered a workaround. Families can make a deposit to one student's account and transfer funds between students. WBSD is currently working with the processing company to see if this can be changed to a total deposit minimum. WBSD was forced to raise the minimum deposit amount to avoid passing the fees off to our families.

We are very sorry for this inconvenience. If you have further questions, please contact the Nutrition Services Department at (248) 865-6732 or anne.stevens@wbsd.org.

Sheiko Elementary Student Council sponsored a Pink Out Week to help support breast cancer awareness. Students at Sheiko were asked to donate $1 each day for a week. In return, the students received a piece of Dubble Bubble gum for their support. The Student Council representatives worked hard to spread the word to their classes and get the entire student body involved in helping others. They even wore pink daily to show their support. Sheiko Student Council raised $1,170 and provided a donation to Karmanos Cancer Institute.

Max is a leader 100% of the time! He exudes positivity, energy, and overall kindness EVERY single day. He comes to school ready to learn. He greets everyone by name as he walks by with a smile. Max is a student that every teacher, staff member, and fellow classmate can count on. Max always comes ready to learn. Congratulations, Max!

Sara is an amazing person and student. During her time both in high school and at OEC, she has had an exemplary grade point average, earning her the OCC High Honors in 2022, Academic Letter in 2022, Cornerstone Award for Community, and the Department Award for English in 2021. She currently serves as the OEC student liaison to the Board of Education, serves as the Vice President of Student Government, served as the President of the Book Club in 2021, and has leadership roles in Future Health Professionals and the Debate Club. Congratulations, Sara!

WBHS students enjoyed a guided tour of the Affleck House in Bloomfield Hills designed by world-famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. They learned about architecture codes, clearances, and had an amazing experience with Teacher Mrs. Mattson.

Congratulations to the students that participated in the MIFA Fall Middle Level Tournament in November. Kudos to Kai Bilkey, 3rd Place in Impromptu Speaking, Madeline Johns, 2nd Place in Storytelling for Sleeping Beauty, and Morgan Beimel & Adeline Dagg, 1st place in Duo Interpretation for Inherit the Wind. These students represented themselves and WBSD well!

Congratulations to our Lakers for an incredible performance at Carnegie Hall! The choir students had an unforgettable time experiencing the sights and sounds of NYC. Rockefeller Center, skating in NYC, and more - a special thank you to Mrs. Law, Mrs. Lauerman, Mrs. Knappe, and Mrs. Hauk!

It is with much excitement and honor that, for the first time since 2015, two students from the WBHS band program were accepted into the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) All-State Festival. Admission to an MSBOA All-State Ensemble is the highest and most prestigious honor for high school musicians.

Congratulations to freshman, Neel Kamath on his acceptance into the All-State Orchestra and to junior, Nolan Pratt on his acceptance into the All-State Jazz Ensemble!

Ride FRSH Car Air Freshener was featured on Season 14 Episode 7 that aired on November 18. Learn more at www.ridefrsh.com. We wish our alumni continued success! Congratulations Donovan Brown and Garrett Mitchell!

WBHS hosted a follow up debrief to the Wayne State University Men Of Courage field trip a few weeks ago. a The debrief was led by Dr. Jay Marks and Mr. Cornelius Godfrey. These same students had the opportunity to expound upon their experiences at The Men of Courage field trip, develop a connection with their peer group, and determine their contribution and connection to WBHS. At the conclusion of the debrief, the students left feeling a deeper connection to the WBHS community.

Best-selling, internationally renowned author and critical care physician, Dr. Rana Awdish, visited WBHS to share her book In Shock. All of our medical skills students have read her book and they have had multiple book talks and completed activities surrounding the book. Thank you Dr. Awdish!

Do you want to INTERN with a professional outside of school in your field of interest during 6th or 7th Hour? Volunteer Internship possibilities include: Legal, Political, Education, Business, Non-Profit or Community Organization Internships.

Book Lists

· Friends in Our World – Disabled Friends (Kids)

· Winter Wonderland (Kids)

· Books with a Winter Theme (Teens)

Saturday Youth Events

Main Library Youth Activity Center

The Main Library youth staff are now offering events on Saturdays! Drop by for weekly weekend fun. No registration is required.

Saturday Scientists – Preschool: December 3 at 11 a.m. ages 3-5
Create Your Own Superhero: December 10 at 11 a.m. all ages
Winter Reading Activity Day: December 17 at 10 a.m. all ages

Virtual Tinkercad & 3D Printing
Thursday, December 8 at 7 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Create and print 3D alien and food magnets using Tinkercad and the library’s 3D printer! Registration is required. Register at https://wblib.org/services/virtual_registration.php.

Do you have a newsworthy story to share? 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.

• Employment Opportunities
• GWB Historical Society Events
• West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation