Monday, October 9th
West Bloomfield Middle School
Short Summary for the week
Monday, October 9: Hispanic Heritage Spirit week--see below for details
Tuesday, October 10th: 3:20 PM - 4:30 PM - Chess Club - S130
4:00 PM - WB Green Girls Basketball vs. Berkshire @ HOME
4:15 PM - WBMS Cross Country vs. Cranbrook MS @ HOME: Sheiko (updated) parents please park at Prince of Peace
Wednesday, October 11: Late Start--school starts one hour later, buses for pick up will arrive one hour later.
5:00 PM - WBMS Football vs. Derby @ Seaholm High School
Thursday, Oct 12: WBGreen Girls Basketball vs. Derby MS @ HOME
Friday, October 13: PTO- Bagels Sales! Bagels $2 Cream Cheese $.50
More dates!
Safe Schools Week
October 15-21
8th Grade Dance: May 31
Spirit week Dance: May 17
Volleyball Tournament May 15
Student Council: Dodgeball Tournament May 13
Orchestra Concert: May 8th
Valentine's Dance: February 9
Halloween Dance: Oct 27 5:30-7:30 pm
Picture Re-takes Oct 25th 9-11:30am in school (confirmed)
Week of October 9th: Hispanic Heritage week-see below for details
8th grade Cedar Point trip tentative date: May 28
8th grade Promotion Ceremony: TBD (more info to come soon)
Fun Day (all students): TBD
Casino Night 2024
NEW LOCATION: Glen Oaks Country Club
Evening of Friday, February 2, 2024
Late Start Days school will start at 9:20 am
Bus routes will operate one hour later than normal.
Wednesday, October 11th
Wednesday, October 25th
Wednesday, November 29th
Wednesday, December 13th
Wednesday, January 10th
Wednesday, January 24th
Wednesday, February 7th
Wednesday, February 28th
Wednesday, March 13th
Wednesday, April 24th
Wednesday, May 8th
Wednesday, May 22nd
8th grade sweatshirt
Every year we offer all 8th graders an opportunity to purchase an 8th grade sweatshirt
The link for orders is: https://parrotwear.com/wbms28
School Breakfast
Every student has the opportunity to receive a free school breakfast. We serve breakfast starting at 7:45 am and complete service at 8:20 am as class starts at 8:20. If your student wants breakfast please remind them to go to the auditeria before 8:20. Thank you!
Procedures for Attending After School Events
We have provided a set of rules and procedures for students who wish to attend after school activities (primarily after school sports competitions). These guidelines outline the process for attendance and the responsibilities of both students and their parents or guardians. Here's a breakdown of the procedures:
Attendance Requirement:
Students who want to attend after school activities must first go home before the event.
Parent or Guardian Escort: (not school dances)
To participate in after school activities, students must return to school escorted by a parent or guardian.
Parents or guardians must be in attendance during the activity. (Participating athletes are excluded from this procedure.)
Alternate Escort:
If a parent or guardian cannot attend and wishes to send the student with another adult, that adult must be listed on the student's emergency contact list.
After School Detention:
Students assigned to after school detention must go home directly after detention ends at 4:15.
Attending Activities After Detention:
Students assigned after school detention who wish to attend after school activities may return to school with an adult, following the same procedure as other students.
Pick-Up Time After Events: (applies to all events including dances)
Students who participate in after school events must be picked up within 30 minutes of the event's end time.
Failure to be picked up within this timeframe may result in not being allowed to attend future after school events.
These procedures are in place to ensure the safety and accountability of students attending after school activities and to establish clear guidelines for their attendance and supervision. It's important for both students and parents or guardians to adhere to these rules to maintain a safe and organized after school program.
Please no gum
The staff at WBMS appreciates all students following the 'no gum' rule. This means students will not chew gum in classes or the hallways. Students who are chewing gum will be directed to dispose of it.
Lanyard and ID updates
Any student that DID NOT take a picture will not have a picture ID until picture day in October. Also any student who lost their ID - our printer is not yet up and printing so they would not be able to purchase a new picture ID at this time. As a result, they will need to have a lanyard that lets everyone know that it is NOT possible for them to have a picture ID at this time but they can still participate in recess and purchase lunch and snacks.
We have created a PINK NO PICTURE ID lanyard pass for these students so they can still participate in recess and purchase lunch and snacks. These Pink Passes will be available in the office. The student should have a lanyard and sleeve. If they have lost the lanyard, they will need to purchase a new one before getting the PINK Pass.
SmartPass from Mr Evans
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce a significant upgrade in one of our school's administrative systems, which will directly impact the way students manage their daily activities, particularly while passing in the hallway. In line with our commitment to improving efficiency and enhancing the educational experience for our students, we will be transitioning from the school-wide pass system HERO to the new and improved Smartpass system.
The transition to Smartpass will bring several benefits to both students and parents, including:
1. Enhanced Accountability: Smartpass provides a more streamlined and accurate way to track student hallway activities, ensuring a higher level of accountability. Smartpass keeps an account of
every kid requesting to leave the classroom or when initiated.
2. User-Friendly Interface: The Smartpass interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easier for students to manage their passes and for parents to stay informed about their child's activities.
Staff will have the option to have a smartpass kiosk installed in the classroom or office for student and teacher convenience.
3. Real-Time Notifications: Teachers will see when passes are initiated and have the option to approve or deny if they are on the receiving end.
4. Improved Security: Smartpass enhances the security of our campus by accurately monitoring who is in the hallways.
5. Efficient Communication: Smartpass allows for quick and easy communication between teachers, students, and administration, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding passing in the hallways at WBMS.
We understand that change can be challenging, but we believe that this transition will ultimately benefit our school community by improving our administrative processes and increasing transparency.
We encourage you to stay tuned for further updates and or feedback on the transition from HERO to Smartpass. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mr. Evans.
Thank you for your continued support of our school, and we look forward to embracing this exciting change together.
Sincerely,
--
Jermaine Evans
Assistant Principal, WBMS
LaCrosse
West Bloomfield Girls Lacrosse
IG handle: westbloomfield_lacrosse
Don’t be afraid to try something new-no experience necessary!
High school team email: wbgirlslax@gmail.com
There are plenty of opportunities to start lacrosse BEFORE getting to WBHS/spring tryouts!!
(We do also teach beginners and welcome them at spring high school tryouts).
Opportunities for those as young as Kindergarten(boys and girls) - All American Lacrosse in Pontiac and Rochester offers programs for K-2, and a beginner clinic for grades 3-12 - no equipment or experience necessary to participate and cost includes a new stick. Sessions are run in summer, as well as fall (registration deadline sept. 10), and winter (winter 1 sessions starting Nov. 4 and Winter 2 sessions start January 7). https://www.all-americanlacrosse.com/
Woodward Bears Lacrosse (located in Royal Oak/Berkley). Offers beginner clinics and teams for ages 8 and up for boys and girls during fall, spring, and summer. Beginners welcome on all team levels. More info on Instagram: Woodwardbearslax or call Paul Banacki: 248-259-4178.
Birmingham Bulldogs: Offers programs and teams for boys and girls - registration priority is given to those in the Birmingham district, but open to all- programs start as young as 1st grade and typically practice at Berkshire Middle School. https://www.birminghambulldogs.org/, https://www.birminghamgirlslax.com/ contact : birminghamgirlslax@gmail.com
*For girls/boys middle school teams at Birmingham , experience might be required -please email to check, but beginner clinics are also offered.
West Bloomfield Girls Lacrosse
IG handle: westbloomfield_lacrosse
Don’t be afraid to try something new-no experience necessary!
High school team email: wbgirlslax@gmail.com
There are plenty of opportunities to start lacrosse BEFORE getting to WBHS/spring tryouts!!
(We do also teach beginners and welcome them at spring high school tryouts).
Opportunities for those as young as Kindergarten(boys and girls) - All American Lacrosse in Pontiac and Rochester offers programs for K-2, and a beginner clinic for grades 3-12 - no equipment or experience necessary to participate and cost includes a new stick. Sessions are run in summer, as well as fall (registration deadline sept. 10), and winter (winter 1 sessions starting Nov. 4 and Winter 2 sessions start January 7). https://www.all-americanlacrosse.com/
Woodward Bears Lacrosse (located in Royal Oak/Berkley). Offers beginner clinics and teams for ages 8 and up for boys and girls during fall, spring, and summer. Beginners welcome on all team levels. More info on Instagram: Woodwardbearslax or call Paul Banacki: 248-259-4178.
Birmingham Bulldogs: Offers programs and teams for boys and girls - registration priority is given to those in the Birmingham district, but open to all- programs start as young as 1st grade and typically practice at Berkshire Middle School. https://www.birminghambulldogs.org/, https://www.birminghamgirlslax.com/ contact : birminghamgirlslax@gmail.com
*For girls/boys middle school teams at Birmingham , experience might be required -please email to check, but beginner clinics are also offered.
Cashless Meal Service: Snack Line is Open!
Students who are free/reduced lunch eligible MUST complete the forms every year.
The system is open and you can create a meal account and complete the free/reduced meal application if you believe your may qualify. (link above)
The governor did sign legislation to bring back the co-vid 19 era of free meals for everyone.
This will include:
One breakfast and one lunch per student (students will still need to swipe their ID for every meal)
A la carte, snack and second meals will be offered for a charge. We will still be cashless so please put money on your student's account if your student would want to purchase an extra lunch or snacks.
Your student not feeling well? has the flu?
School Nurse Update
Viral communicable diseases like the flu, RSV and Covid-19 will be around this upcoming school year. We want to keep children and staff in school as much as possible by decreasing communicable disease spread. Viruses have very similar symptoms, and all are contagious. While it is ok to report to school with mild cold symptoms, stay home if you have these symptoms:
● Fever (of 101.0 degrees F or higher or feeling feverish) and trouble breathing: The student should not return until 24 hours fever free, without the use of fever-reducing medications. Note:If there is influenza-like-activity or COVID-19-like-activity in the school or in the community, criteria would also include a temperature over 100.4°F and respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, sore throat)
● Severely ill: A student that is lethargic or less responsive, has difficulty breathing, or has a rapidly spreading rash.
● Rash: The student with a rash AND has a fever or a change in behavior. Exclude until the rash subsides or until a healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious. ● Abdominal pain: A student with abdominal pain that continues for more than two hours, or intermittent pain associated with fever or other symptoms.
● Nausea or vomiting (2x in a 24-hour period). The student should have no vomiting episodes for 24 hours prior to returning. Exception: A healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious.
● Diarrhea (2x in a 24-hour period) The student should have no loose stools for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Exception: A healthcare provider has determined it is not infectious.
● Skin sores: A child with weeping sores on an exposed area that cannot be covered with waterproof dressing.
Lunch Recess in the I-center Sign up
We are so excited to provide you with the link to register for RECESS in the iCenter.
The first day for Recess in the iCenter is Tuesday, September 5th.
The Google Forms are open NOW.
You should plan to complete the Google Form sometime before Monday evening, so that you are all set for Tuesday.
You must know which Lunch you're scheduled to attend.
The form will help to guide you through the process.
You will submit a registration prior to the day you attend recess.
The forms are reset EVERY day by 4:00 PM.
You will have to register daily for the next day.
You decide which days you will attend the iCenter for recess.
Use the link provided for your assigned lunch, it is the SAME link everyday.
Click the link corresponding to your lunch:
Lunch 1 A- Lunch @ 11:32-11:57 & Recess 11:59-12:24
Lunch 1 B- Recess @ 11:32-11:57 & Recess 11:32-11:57
Lunch 2A- Lunch @ 12:28- 12:53 & Recess 12:55-1:20
Lunch 2 B- Recess @ 12:28-12:53 & Recess 12:55-1:20
All the details & expectations are included on the Google Form you will submit.
You must be logged in to your student.wbsd.org account in order to open & submit the Google Form.
Thank you!!
Extra Guest Riders on a district bus
If a student needs to ride a school bus after school that is not the normally assigned bus, the parent must send in a written note at least the day of the change (to be dropped off in the main office where it is signed and logged)
The letter must include:
1. the date
2. both students' names
3. route number
4. signature of parent
The note, if approved, will be signed. logged and returned to the student as a 'bus pass' to allow the student to get on the route at the end of the day.
Allergies
We do have designated tables in the auditeria that are "NUT FREE".
We are a LATEX free school
Medicine at School
This includes, but is not limited to Tylenol, Tums, prescriptions, and Advil. Under no circumstances can a student be in possession of medication without the proper forms on file. Students possessing medication without the forms on file or distributing medication to other students will be subject to discipline following the district's Code of Conduct.
ONLY Emergency medication can be carried by students at school. Both forms below need to be completed for self carry
WBMS Snack List Prices
WBMS Snack List Prices
Flavored Beverages (20 oz) $1.50
Water (20 oz) $1.50
Juice (10 oz) $1.50
Milk $.50
Chips $1.50
Cookies $.50
Middle School Cell Phone/ Smart watch that connects to the phone Procedure
West Bloomfield Middle School (WBMS) has a new cell phone/personal electronic device procedure
Cell phones and all other personal electronic devices must be powered off and out of sight from 7:45 AM - 3:12 PM (including lunch and recess) unless students are given permission from teachers/administration. Students are expected to use the office phone to contact home or parents. Cell phone use is only allowed with teacher/administration approval and only for educational purposes. Students are not allowed to record video/audio or take pictures anytime during the school day unless given permission from a staff member.
1st Violation - Student pick-up from the front office
2nd Violation - Parent pick-up from the front office
3rd Violation - Parent pick-up from the front office and conference with an administrator
Further violations will result in additional consequences determined by an administrator
Lost and Found
We have a whole school lost and found box outside the cafeteria that students can look through during breakfast or/and lunch. Some classrooms and houses also have lost and found bins in addition to PE classes. We periodically donate the items in the box so please have your students check the box if s/he is missing something.
Gaggle
The WBSD continues its agreement with GAGGLE to support our efforts to keep students in our school safe from harm.
Gaggle is a student safety software that we will begin using on our platforms at the end of January 2023. Over 1,500 school districts across the country utilize gaggle to identify students who may be in crisis so appropriate staff members can contact parents and support the identified student.
Gaggle leverages a powerful combination of best-in-class artificial intelligence, machine learning, and a highly trained content review team to flag concerning content that K-12 students may be ingesting, receiving, or posting using school-provided devices and platforms, including Google Workspace for Education, Microsoft Office 365, Google Chat (formerly Google Hangouts), Microsoft Teams, and the Canvas learning management system. The tool is used by more than 1,500 school districts around the country to help identify and protect young children from threats of violence, self-harm, and suicide; child pornography, online predators, and sexual content; cyberbullying or other forms of online abuse; and drug or alcohol abuse.
Key points of this relationship include that only district owned and supported devices and platforms will be reviewed, the most serious content will be identified and shared with parents and the overall goal is the continued protection of all of our WBSD students.
If you have questions about this product or the district’s intentions, please reach out to any of the 3 WBMS administrators.
Middle School Sports
In preparation for the start for the school year and sports we need you to get some things completed before the season begins.
If your student is not planning to play a sport during the upcoming school year, you can just file this email as there is nothing to do.
Let’s start with the basics for middle school sports.
There are no fees to play middle school sports.
We are governed by the state association regarding rules and participation: MHSAA
We compete in the COMSAC league (Central Oakland Middle School Athletic Conference)
There are sports that 6th graders can play and sports all grade levels can play. See below for details.
All registration takes place on the Final Forms website: click here to access Final Forms
Things that are required to play:
Complete all forms on Final Forms including:
Basic information
Athletic physical signed by a DR and completed after April 15th 2023: a blank copy of the form can be found here
Signatures on forms by students and parents
Sign the Middle School Athletic Contract (one form per sport)
Click here for the athletic contract
If you played a middle school sport last year, you will have a Final Forms login. Please use that login to sign in, upload a new physical and sign the paperwork. All of the other data, like demographic and contact information will be saved and has rolled over.
Important Links: Final Forms: http://www.westbloomfield-mi.finalforms.com/
WBSD Athletic website with schedules: https://westbloomfieldathletics.com/
Remaining seasons:
Winter 1 Sports: opened Sept 20th for registration
Swimming: 6th, 7th, 8th grade
Boys basketball: 7th/8th grade
Sideline Cheer for basketball: 7th/8th grade
Winter 2 Sports: opens Dec 1st for registration
Wrestling: 6th, 7th, 8th grade
Volleyball 7th/8th grade
Spring Sports: Opens January 10th for registration
Track: 6th, 7th, 8th grade
Start dates for our sports (cannot start before these dates)
Winter 1 Basketball (Boys)6-Nov-23
Winter 1 Coed Swimming 6-Nov-23
Winter 2 Volleyball 22-Jan-24
Winter 2 Wrestling 22-Jan-24 (there is a club piece that starts earlier see flyer below)
Spring Track 1-Apr-24
Thank you!
The Pre-order site for yearbooks is open
The Pre-order site for yearbooks is open
https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/
School order number is: 25753 and click 'continue'
you will see a pop up with
YOU HAVE SELECTED
WEST BLOOMFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL • WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI • JOB# 25753
Click continue
Click "order a yearbook"
and follow the prompts
Order now for $35 until December 31st
The price will go up: January 1-Feb 29 to $40
Finally March 1-April 15 $45
We will also be selling adds--and will notify you when that is set up!
Backpack Procedure
Students are permitted to bring a backpack to and from school. We recommend the smallest backpack, for example a string bag be used or something that is easily foldable.
Backpacks and bags are to be kept in the students’ lockers and not carried from class to class during the day.
Backpacks that do not fit in the lockers can be kept in advisory classes
To assist students with keeping backpacks in lockers we recommend:
Only those things critical to school should be brought to school
Leave toys, and extra clothes/shoes at home
Students should remove things from their backpacks and place items in the locker to allow for the best use of space
We understand that female students may need to carry a small purse during the day with essential items
PTO and the PTO Updated Calendar
We have a wonderful PTO that supports our mission and vision for WBMS.
Welcome the 2023-2024 PTO Officers
President, Sherri-Anne Wynter
Vice President, Monique Williams Esq
Treasurer, Renai Mayle
Secretary, Amanda Oliver
PR, Terri Hoyer Compton
PCN rep, Rene Kubiak
October 6th House Wars (Fund Hub) ENDS
October 6th Friday morning Donut Sale
October 13th, 20th, 27th Friday morning Bagel Sale with Cream Cheese
October 25th General PTO Meeting
Interested parents can email using this address: wbmslakerspto@gmail.com
Quick Links
4th Weds 7pm General PTO Meeting series
Donut/Bagel Sales Volunteer SignUp Genius
Donut/Bagel Sales Google Calendar Friday Series
I
Your Middle School Administration Team
Jermaine Evans, Assistant Principal
Lisa Graff, Assistant Principal, retiring October 31
Haley Barnes, Dean of Student Services
West Bloomfield Middle School
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/west-bloomfield-middle-school
Location: 6000 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone: 248-865-4480
Twitter: @WBMSAPGraff