WBSD Weekly Update
October 9, 2024
Attention parents & guardians of 7th-12th graders
Our mission in West Bloomfield is to support each student’s needs by providing them the opportunities, experiences, and educational tools for their journey ahead. One way that we ensure that students get the best experiences and have access to the best tools is through our curriculum review cycle. Our goal is to evaluate curricular resources every five years on a staggered cycle to determine if the resource best serves the needs of students, staff, and families.
This year, our English department will be evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the resources and instructional design for Secondary ELA classes. In addition to achievement data, student surveys, and teacher surveys, we believe it is also critical to collect feedback from our parents and guardians. If you have a student in grades 7-12, please help us effectively evaluate this resource by providing your perspective. This survey will take very little of your time but will give us great insight into doing what is best for our learners.
Please CLICK HERE to learn more about the survey. The video provides an 8-minute explanation of why the survey matters so much, and then after that there is a read aloud/description of each question if you need assistance with the survey.
Click here to complete the survey by or before October 16th.
Sincerely,
WBSD Learning Services
Breakfast & Lunch Menus for ALL Levels
All of the menus are located on the Nutrition Services page on WBSD.org
October Elementary School, Middle School, and High School Menus are here
Blessings In a Backpack HAS A NEW NAME - Fueling Kids' Futures
Parents of WBSD students can apply to receive six non-perishable meals each Friday of the school year. The goal of Fueling Kids' Futures is to make sure no child goes hungry on the weekend. Run by volunteers, there is NO cost to the families. For the application, click here.
Save the Date: the major fundraiser for Fueling Kids' Futures is Trivia Night Friday, November 8.
October Inclusive Newsletter
Check out the newsletter for events, opportunities, and more! From Sonja James, WBSD Executive Director of Educational Equity and Inclusion
Throughout the academic year, we celebrate a variety of traditions and holidays that hold deep significance for many of our students. It is our goal to ensure that the entire West Bloomfield school community is informed about these important occasions, which are embraced by both students and staff.
As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, it’s important to note that several major Jewish holidays fall within October. During this time, many of our Jewish staff, students, and families may be unable to attend classes or participate in school events due to religious observances.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are among the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. These sacred days are marked by worship services, time with family and community, and abstention from work and extracurricular activities. In 2024, the dates for these holidays are as follows:
- Rosh Hashanah: October 2-4 (begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and ends at sunset on Friday, October 4)
- Yom Kippur: October 11-12 (begins at sunset on Friday, October 11, and ends at sunset on Saturday, October 12)
In keeping with our commitment to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity, we ask that you consider these holidays when planning assessments, projects, or presentations in your classes.
Please be reminded that documented absences for religious observances will be considered excused, with no negative consequences for students or staff. We appreciate your understanding of the significance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and their potential impact on staff and student participation.
Thank you for your continued efforts in creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all.
Respectfully,
Sonja James
Executive Director of Educational Equity and Inclusion
Enter to Win 2 Tickets!
We’ve partnered with West Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Parks & Rec, and West Bloomfield Public Library to host our annual Heroes Appreciation Breakfast. We appreciate the hard-work and sacrifices made by those in the military and this event is our way to honor and recognize those individuals and their families. This event is presented by Senior Benefits Plus.
Whether you are a veteran or non-veteran, this event is open to you. Veterans and one guest are able to attend for free. Additional guests or non-veterans can attend for $15.
Event will include:
- Breakfast
- A gift bag for each Veteran
- Presentation by the West Bloomfield Police & Fire Honor Guard
- Guest Speaker Brigadier General Ravindra Wagh
- Live Entertainment by Harmony Town Chorus
The registration deadline is October 23rd. Register here!
Upcoming Performance
Fall Play-Save the Date!
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
Nov 14, 15, 16 at 7 p.m.
Nov 16 at 1 p.m. - an American Sign Language interpreted matinee
Registration is OPEN! Math Pentathlon Club
Math Pentathlon teaches and reinforces basic math concepts and skills, stimulates creative thinking, develops problem-solving skills, develops spatial computational and logical reasoning, and good sportsmanship.
Practice Dates and More Info, Click Here
Division 1: K-1st Grade
Division 2: 2nd & 3rd Grade
Division 3: 4th & 5th Grade
Division 4: 6th & 7th Grade
West Bloomfield Public Library
Facts about the Library Millage
If approved by voters, library millage funds would be used for:
- replacement of aging building components
- updates to IT Infrastructure, including 24/7 holds pickup lockers
- improvements to programming areas, including the Meeting Room and outdoor spaces
- expanded digital collections (eBooks, eAudiobooks, etc.)
Learn more at wblib.org/millage.
West Bloomfield Public Library
Book Lists
· 100 Picture Books to Read in Kindergarten (Youth)
· Baseball-Themed Fiction (Teen)
Owl Pellet Investigators
Thursday, October 9 from 6–8 p.m.
Main Library Youth Activity Center
This program is a blend of science, mystery and hands-on learning. Participants will embark on a scientific journey, dissecting owl pellets to uncover the hidden diets of these fascinating nocturnal predators. Join us as we unravel the secrets held within owl pellets and discover the interconnectedness of our ecosystem.
For Grades 3-5. Registration Required
Click here to register: https://westbloomfield.librarycalendar.com/event/owl-pellet-investigators-3861
Star Wars STEAM Day
Thursday, October 19 from 12–3 p.m.
Main Library Youth Area
Star Wars and Science, what could be better? Explore all of our STEAM stations from Build-a-Droid to creating a Gumdrop Geodesic Dome to mini LED lightsabers and much more! Come dressed in your favorite Star Wars attire and get ready to celebrate Star Wars and Science! The Robot Garage will be here with a fun project and the Great Lakes Garrison will also be in attendance
For All Ages. No Registration Required.
West Bloomfield Parks and Rec
Moms and mother figures, enjoy a special night out with your son(s) at the High Tops & High Heels Dance! Join WB Parks at Glen Oaks Golf Course for a night of dancing and dance floor activities with DJ Super Dave. Joel Tacey from Tiptop Entertainment will be providing fun balloon art for all and guests can get a fun tattoo from our tattoo station. Professional Photographs will be available for purchase by Portraits with Michelle all evening. Guests will enjoy an upscale buffet which includes an entrée of smoked ham and/or herb baked chicken paired with macaroni and cheese, choice vegetable and dinner roll, along with a salad bar, beverages and dessert.
Price is per person. All those attending the event must be registered. Resident $40/per person. Nonresident $45/per person.
To learn more or to register visit https://www.wbparks.org/event/high-tops-high-heels/
Community Partner Links
October 16: Late Start
October 30: Late Start
November 5: No School for Students
WBSD is Hiring!
We have some job openings!
Please share these opportunities with your friends and family. Thank you for all who shared the Parapro Drop-In interview. The event was a huge success!
In Case You Missed It
Elementary school students enjoying the WBHS student-run production of The Rainbow Fish. It is a lovely, heart-warming story of sharing.