Update 11-3

School Safety is our #1 Priority. As part of our safety plan and protocols, we have scheduled dates to rehearse the procedures for safety drills. On Thursday, November 7, 2024, we will be practicing a whole school Lockdown Drill. Please remind your student about the importance of following adult directions, remaining quiet in the state of emergency, and being aware of their surroundings. We will review the expectations during our Advisory classes prior to the drill.

EMERGENCY situations do occur. It's common to think, "that will never happen to me..." but, realistically, we cannot predict the future. We never know who might need to identify a student in need of medical attention. Last week, one of our students DID in fact require EMS attention. Fortunately, this student was wearing their lanyard & ID. 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. We will ensure that each student has a lanyard. In the event that a lanyard is left at home, the student will receive a temporary sticker to wear for the day.

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.

In the event a student leaves their ID & lanyard at home, your student should let their ADVISORY teacher know. A temporary ID sticker will be provided to wear for the day. If we see a pattern, parents will be contacted. Thank you for your support to encourage our students to practice safe habits.

Mrs. Carson began distributing the replacement ID cards during lunch on Friday, November 1st. Students, if you participated in the photo retake day, please see Mrs. Carson during advisory or during lunch to receive your new ID card. Photo packages will be ditributed this week during 7th hour classes. Photos arrived on Friday and need to be sorted accordingly.

The Halloween Dance was well attended. Our WBMS students dressed to impress with their costume creativity and attention to detail. Ms. Chewins and Ms. Henry facilitated an outstanding venue for the students to enjoy dancing, a game area, concession snacks, and seating for those students to hang out and enjoy time with classmates. Thank you to our PTO for purchasing some games for us to enjoy. Thank you to our parent chaperones, Mrs. Jabiro and our WBMS CASA club members, and the WBMS Student Council members for volunteering your time at the event. Thank you to staff members: Mr. Blatt, Ms. Kim, and Ms. Waller for attending the dance.

Join the West Bloomfield Middle School PTO Private Group on Facebook to see more photos!

All of our WBMS Band classes performed on Tuesday, October 29th under the direction of Mr. Jesse Sacks and Mr. Karl Stein. The musical scores ranged from beginnig to advanced. The level of performance was phenomenal. Our audience was a full house and we couldn't feel more proud of our student musicians. Keep up the great work!

Wednesday, October 30th, Jonathan Jackson gave a motivational speech to our WBMS students in each of the houses. As a former WBSD student, Jonathan attended Gretchko Elementary, Scotch Elementary, Abbott Middle School and WBHS. He went on to triple major at Western Michigan University. He is an entreprenuer, business owner and serves as the lead mentor for our male mentoring group. As his former teachers, Mrs. Fellman and Mrs. Wynn were honored to see Jonathan return to WBSD to give back to his community.

Jonathan spoke to our students about creating good habits, being prepared for school, and believing in yourself--- even when it seems like others might not believe in us. One key component of good habits is getting to class on time & being ready to learn. When you are in the right place and the right time, it shows others that you are intentional with the choices you make. You set yourself up for success when you are prepared.

He also spoke about creating a postive self- image and the dangers of using social media to be hurtful to others.

Thank you to the Greater West Bloomfield Coalition & Mrs. Lisa Berkey for providing the opportunity to have Jonathan speak to our WBMS Scholars.

Mrs. Chang, 8th Grade Counselor is our trip coordinator.

Mrs. Carson is the Administrator attending the trip.

Thank you to all parents who have registered their student. We currently have 62 students registered.

Mrs. Chang sent out an email with a re-cap of the parent meeting, including the slide show of details.

Information Packet

Deadline to register for the trip is Wednesday, NOVEMBER 6th.

Hello 8th Grade Students and Families,

(1) We are pleased to announce an essay contest for students needing financial assistance to help defray the costs of the 2025 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip. Thanks to the generous donation by the WBMS PTO, we are able to offer 4 scholarships that will be applied directly to your WorldStrides account: 1st prize: $450; 2nd prize: $250; 3rd prize: $200; 4th prize: $100.

Please share your essay to Ms. Chang (susan.chang@wbsd.org) by Tuesday, November 12th, 2024.

In your own words, describe how a trip to Washington, D.C. would enhance your educational and personal growth.

(2) In addition, there is a fundraising opportunity for families looking for financial assistance to help defray the costs of the 2025 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trips. Student or Parent Volunteers are needed to sell donuts in the morning (7:30AM - 8:30AM) in front of the auditeria on Friday, November 8th & December 6th. More dates will be added in the future. Proceeds will be applied to the student's World Strides account. In the comment section, please list the name of the student.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054CAAAD2DA7FA7-52854597-8thgrade

Sixth grade science students were provided certain materials and constraints along with the challenge to create a tower that would support a small pumpkin. Here are some of the winners from Mrs. Belli's classes. Way to collaborate. Great work 6th graders!

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

Monday, Nov. 4:

After School Tutoring: 3:30-4:30 (pre-registration required)

Tuesday, Nov. 5th:

No School for Students- Election Day

Wednesday, Nov. 6:

GSA meeting: 3:15-4:15, room C123
CASA meeting: 3:15-4:15, room N229

Boys Basketball Tryouts- after school

Thursday, Nov. 7:

3:15 PM - 4:15 PM - After school detention - N228

Friday, Nov. 8:

Upcoming Important Dates:

11/13 - Late Start

11/13 - PTO Skate Party

11/20 - Parent teacher conferences (evening, virtual)

11/22 - Parent teacher conferences in person (Afternoon)

We've launched our Middle School House Helpers, a new spin on Elementary "Room Parents". At WBMS we have 6 houses: Upper and Lower Blue, Upper and Lower Yellow & Upper and Lower Teal. Use this opportunity to help out with activities, support our classroom teachers, spend time with students who might need extra support, help monitor hallways/bathrooms and be a friendly source of support for our students.

We love to have our middle school parents involved and engaged at the school.

THE NOVEMBER SIGN UP GENIUS WILL BE ADDED HERE ON MONDAY.
CHECK BACK TO SIGN UP FOR NOVEMBER.

Please make sure that your iChat background check is up to date in our main office. Approval needs to be up to date the evening prior to your selected date. 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 $40

Our First Skating party of the year will be on November 13th!

Siblings are welcome!

Fun for the whole family

We’re excited to announce WBMS’s first annual Talent Show, happening this January! Get your kids ready to show off their amazing talents! We’d love your help to make this a huge success for both our students and the community.

We’re also looking for a few volunteers to join our planning committee.
Here is the SignUp Genius link with different roles, so feel free to choose whatever works best for you. (Parents and Staff members are welcome to volunteer)

Thank you!! Let’s create an unforgettable event where our students’ talents can truly SHINE!

STUDENT REGISTRATION Google FORM

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

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

WBSD ATHLETIC CALENDAR

Dear WBMS Families,

We are excited to announce that registration for our Winter 1 sports, Boys Basketball and Coed Swimming, is now open!

Boys Basketball (7th-8th grade):

• Registration is open on Final Forms and will remain open until November 16, 2024.
• More updates on tryouts will be provided soon, as some coaches are finishing their high school sports seasons. Once the tryout dates are established, we will notify all registered students and families.

Coed Swimming (6th-8th grade):

• Registration is also open on Final Forms and closes on November 16, 2024.
• Practice/tryout start date: Monday, November 11, 2024 (this date was adjusted to allow Coach Ronson to finish the girls' high school season).
• Practice time: 4:30–5:30 PM at the high school.
• Transportation: Students must find their own transportation after school to the high school.

Important Coed Swimming Updates from Coach Grace Tolen:

• Swimmers should arrive prepared on the first day with their swimsuit, towels, cap, and goggles. Since we only have a 1-hour practice, it’s important that everyone is ready to get in the pool promptly.
• The only "tryout" is the swim test on the first day, where each swimmer must complete 50 yards (down and back) without stopping and with their face in the water, demonstrating bilateral breathing.
• We will take a maximum of 60 swimmers who pass the swim test.
• A parent meeting will be held that week to discuss the season schedule, including team suits, swim caps, and apparel.
• For any questions, feel free to contact Coach Grace Tolen at [insert email address].

We look forward to a great season for both sports! Please make sure to register on Final Forms by the deadline. Further updates for boys basketball tryouts will be provided as soon as we have more information.

• Math Pentathlon Club is open for registration!

  Would you like your child to strengthen skills in :

  
  

  • Active problem solving

  • Independent thinking

  • Reasoning

  • Math Questioning Skills

  
  

  This program utilizes specially designed board games that promote all of the above characteristics and much, much more.

  https://wbsdec.ce.eleyo.com/

  course/169/fall-2024/math-pentathlon

  Here is a look at the informational presentation for details.

  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RpAMq6XULXvTcvyDQJE4zmKQMZJeT7e2lv6WHY_cIDM/edit?usp=sharing

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.

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

Photography Club

Students are pre-registered.

Next meeting is November 7th with Mr. Inch.

Mr. Inch is located in room C132.

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

The 2nd book was distributed & students will meet after school on November 4th.

Pick up students at 4:00 at the front entrance of the school.

Information Slideshow

julie.abeska@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

Ms. Kim is facilitating the WBMS Writing Club.

Complete this Google Form to let Ms. Kim know you are interested in joining the WBMS Writing Club.

The first meeting is Tuesday, November 12th 3:15-4:15.

This group will meet every other week in Ms. Kim's classroom. C229

Students must access the Google Forms through their GMAIL account🙂

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.

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