WBSD Weekly Update
Friday, April 7
Dear WB Community,
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the spring season. As we move closer towards the end of the school year, I want to remind you all that we have roughly 48 days of school remaining. Instead of counting the days down, let's make each day count and strive to finish the year on a high note.
I also want to invite you all to two upcoming events. The first is our Gun Safety Forum, which will take place on April 11 from 6-8 p.m. at WBMS. We will be joined by Karen McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor, Chief Michael Patton from the West Bloomfield Police Department and Kimberly Root from the Office of School Safety-Michigan State Police. This forum will provide valuable information and resources about gun safety, and I encourage you all to attend.
The second event is the LakerBot Festival, which will be held on April 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at WBMS. This festival will showcase the hard work and creativity of our robotics team, and will also provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our students' accomplishments.
I look forward to seeing you all at these events and working together to make the most of our remaining school days.
In Education,
Dania H. Bazzi PhD
Superintendent
2023 BOND INFORMATION
Did you know that the WBSD bond proposal is a ZERO estimated net increase over the 2022 total debt tax rate? Please learn more on our website at www.wbsd.org/bond. Mark your calendars to vote on or before May 2!
Watch their reactions!
Thank you to Jennifer Williamson, WBHS Digital Media Arts Instructor for working with her students to film and edit our wonderful bond video. They captured WBHS student reactions to the potential spaces the bond could provide for STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics & CTE = Career Technical Education. To learn more about the bond visit www.wbsd.org/bond.
Mark Your Calendar
May 2 Don't forget to VOTE!
May 29 Memorial Day, No School
June 13 Half Day - HS Only
June 14 Half Day - All Schools
June 15 Half Day - Student's Last Day
Attention WBSD Families
We value student feedback and voice. In order to gain a better understanding of our students' experience in our schools and as a part of our Strategic Plan, we will survey students in grades 3-12 through the Panorama platform. Our survey window will be from April 10 - April 21. If you completed the opt-out form in the fall, then your student(s) will not be given the survey. Additionally, please watch your email for a WBSD Family feedback survey, we want to hear from you too!
WBMS Student Interviews Scott Long, Assistant Superintendent for Learning Services
Max caught up with Scott Long to discuss what is was like to see all of the smiles during the Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year awards, successes of teamwork, his family, and much more. Click here to watch the interview https://youtu.be/AoRrA-dwtCU
Max Cool Gamer Columbus is a WBMS student and is part of the FIRST Robotics Middle School team. Max has interviewed local tv and radio personalities. Be sure to check out his YouTube channel.
WBHS World Language Field Trip
The WBHS world language students wrapped up their spring break trip to Panamá. They visited the Biomuseo, Casco Antiguo, Monkey Island, and the Panama Canal. WBHS World Language teacher Heather Crewes chaperoned the Spanish language group.
WBHS Theatre group explored NYC over spring break. Kristine Stephens, WBHS Theatre Director, Robin Loudermilk, WBHS Science Teacher, and Christy Forhan, Costume Designer and past Board of Ed member chaperoned the theatre group. Be sure to support their upcoming performance Urinetown.
Did you get your tickets to Urinetown yet?
Urinetown is a hilarious comedic romp with a heartfelt social justice message on April 27, 28, & 29 at 7 p.m. at WBHS. Tickets are $15 ($5 for any WBSD student) and are on sale now at https://wbhstheatrearts.ludus.com. Tickets will also be on sale at the WBHS box office prior to each performance. There are close to 80 students involved in the production in the pit orchestra, stage crew, and costume crew. We hope to see you at the performance!
2023 MYWAY Wrestling State Championships!
WBSD kids wrestled with great sportsmanship through every match. Out of the 7 state qualifiers, 4 came home with All-State honors!
Javier Belmares-Sanchez-4th place
Matthias Hitchcock-4th place
Eva Zimnicki-4th place (girls division)
Hunter DeGrand-5th place
Phenomenal showings from Sawyer Goidosik (1 win away from All-State), as well as Zayden Tullous and Christian Zimnicki who had some nail-biters and looked solid in their close matches.
For all upcoming sports schedules visit: https://westbloomfieldathletics.com/
Free Co-ed Introduction to Lacrosse
Monday, April 10 from 6-7 p.m. is the last day for the Free Co-ed Introduction to Lacrosse in the Middle School Gym. Equipment is provided. All Middle School participants receive a free WB Lacrosse Tee shirt while supplies last. Every participant in the Middle School Introduction to Lacrosse who wears their WB Lacrosse Tee Shirts can get in free to regular season WB Boy's home games! Bring a friend or two and make sure to register: https://forms.gle/v8sRPr57JJUQfjss6
The first WB Boys Varsity LAX Home Game is at the WBHS Athletic Field, Saturday, April 8. The game starts at noon.
WBMS Student Interviews WBHS Teacher Francis (Buddy) Muylaert
Max caught up with Buddy Muylaert to talk about his role as a robotics teacher and coach, how it felt to win WBSD High School Teacher of the Year, and much more. Click here to watch the interview.
Max Cool Gamer Columbus is a WBMS student and is part of the FIRST Robotics Middle School team. Max has interviewed local tv and radio personalities. Be sure to check out his YouTube channel. Thank you Max!
THIS JUST IN
Thank you to Chris Haines, WBMS Robotics coach for the FIRST EDITION of the West Bloomfield Robotics newsletter. We truly appreciate your dedication to growing the program and creating an information hub.
Check out the newsletter here to learn more about the Atomigators, LakerBot, All Girls FTC, Robofest, and Keego Harbor Memorial Day Parade.
April Highlights
Inclusive Celebrations and Recognitions
- Arab-American Heritage Month
- Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month
- Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month
- Chaldean-American Month
- National Poetry Month
Click here to view the newsletter provided by Sonja James, WBSD Executive Director of Educational Equity and Inclusion.
Oakland Schools name Top Teachers
West Bloomfield Middle School teacher Noelle Borst won middle school Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching since 2006. Borst teaches emotionally impaired students in all three grade levels at the new West Bloomfield Middle School. Read the entire The Oakland Press article here.
What an honor! Oakland Schools encompasses 28 districts. Well done, Noelle!
Michigan House approves repeal of school grading system
The Michigan House recently voted to repeal the A–F letter grade system for overall academic performance of all K-12 public schools. To view the The Oakland Press article, click here.
20 Michigan high schools to teach African American AP course this fall
West Bloomfield High School will offer the pilot course this fall, along with a currently available course on African American history. School officials say the AP course will deepen communications in a school that is extraordinarily diverse.
The course ”will prepare all of our students for the intellectual challenges of studying African American historical and cultural influences,” said Scott Long, assistant superintendent for learning services for West Bloomfield School District. “And it's going to teach all of our students how to relate better to people of various backgrounds.”
West Bloomfield began offering its current class in response to members of its African American Awareness club, which lobbied for it. Long said the class has become widely popular, with at least two sections offered every year that fill up quickly. To read the full article in Bridge Michigan, click here.
West Bloomfield Public Library
Book Lists
Library Closure
The West Bloomfield Library will be closed on Sunday, April 9. It will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 10.
Get Creative! Creative Crafts
Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m. - noon
Main Library Youth Activity Center
For all ages. No registration required.
Westacres Artistic Adventures
Tuesday, April 11 from 6-6:45 p.m.
Westacres Branch Youth Activity Center
For ages 5-12. Registration is required. To register, visit http://catalog.wblib.org/iii/calendar/month.
Westacres Teen Recycled Book Beads
Wednesday, April 19 from 6-7 p.m.
Westacres Branch Youth Activity Center
For grades 6-12. Registration is required. To register, visit http://catalog.wblib.org/iii/calendar/month.
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.