Dolphin Tales
Week of April 28th
Newsletter Overview
Upcoming events
Tuesday, May 4th: No In-Person Instruction, Remote-Only Instruction (see details)
May 4th Ballot Proposal
Picture Re-Take Day: Monday-May 3rd
21-22 Kids Klub Registration Opened
Week of May 3rd: Teacher Appreciation Week
Live Virtual Yoga on Zoom, Wednesdays at 11 AM
Wednesday, April 28th PE: On-Demand Specials,
Live Zoom Schedule for Specials (M, T, Th, F)
Headlines
Details about Registering for Free Summer School
April is...Autism Awareness & Appreciation, Arab American Heritage Awareness & Appreciations, Diversity Month--see some of our video morning announcements
Reminder: Keeping our Kids Safe with Clear Dismissal Change Notifications
Thank You, PTO, for Helping Us Celebrate Earth Day
Enrichment, Recreation & Summer Camps (including a Free Summer School opportunity, with registration now starting April 19th)
WBHS Lacrosse Fundraisers: April 28th and May 11th
April Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Daily Mantra Calendar
WB Student Academic Support--Tutoring Available
- Technology Support
Free Meals Still Available
Enrichment Zone
- Preschool Registration Open
DOHERTY FAMILY PHOTO ALBUM
21-22 Kinder Corner
- Kindergarten Registration
- Incoming Kindergarten Child Information Form
- Virtual Tour of Doherty Elementary
1 Big Thing/Review
Operations
Accessing Report Card Grades in PowerSchool
Technology Help
Capturing Kids’ Hearts Tools Link
COVID Safety Protocols Link
Parking Lot Procedures Link
Canvas Details Link
To-Do List
To-Do List (All Items Have More Details in Newsletter Articles)
- On-Demand Specials for Wednesday, April 28th: PHYSICAL EDUCATION, MRS. GRINNELL
- Optional Live Virtual Yoga for Wednesday, April 28th at 11 AM.
- Fall 2021 Kids Klub Registration Opened April 19th. Don't Miss Your Chance to Reserve a Spot
- Free Summer School Registration Available: Seats Are Still Available, So Be Sure to Register Now
- Monday, May 3rd: Picture Retake Day (see instructions in article below)
- Tuesday, May 4th: Remote-Only Instruction (see details in article below)
- May 4th Election Day: Please Vote
- Week of May 3rd: Teacher Appreciation Week, see article later in newsletter
Tuesday, May 4th: No In-Person Instruction; Remote-Only Instruction Schedule
We've made some adjustments to our remote-only schedule in order to be as responsive and supportive to the needs of our stakeholders. Please read the information below to know how instruction will work for Tuesday, May 4th. You will receive additional communication from your classroom teacher. Please be sure to connect with your classroom teacher with questions.
Students Will Do The Following:
Small Group Zoom with Teacher. Attend a 20-25 minute small group Zoom led by their teacher at their scheduled time (time will be scheduled and communicated by teacher).
Specials Zoom. Attend their normally scheduled Specials Zoom (see schedule at the end of this communication.
Canvas Assignments with Option for Live Support at 10:30 AM-1:30 PM. All Students Have the Option Of: A) Completing and Submit Canvas On-Demand Assignments at their own pace; OR B) Attending Grade Level Zoom Study Hall between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM to get help with Canvas assignments from a Doherty staff member.
IEP Service Support. Students with IEPs that receive Tuesday services from Mrs. Messel, Mrs. Walton, and Ms. Rosenzweig should attend the Study Hall Zoom from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. During this time, the students will receive support completing Canvas assignments. At some point between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM, Mrs. Messel, Mrs. Walton, and/or Ms. Rosenzweig will pull students that receive Tuesday IEP therapy services into a breakout room on this Zoom link.
All 3 Zoom Links will be provided in 1 place on your child's Canvas homepage and assignment calendar. It will look something like the picture below this article.
Specials Schedule:
Crowe, Samuilow & Kilano--HANIFI, ART
Cohort A: 12:50-1:20 PM
Cohort B: 8:50-9:20 AM
Metzenthin, Griffin--GRINNELL, PE
Cohort A: 12:50-1:20 PM
Cohort B: 8:50-9:20 AM
Bieber, Miller--HANIFI, ART
Cohort A: 1:30-2:00 PM
Cohort B: 9:30-10 AM
Baeten, Valentine--GRINNELL, PE
Cohort A: 1:30-2:00 PM
Cohort B: 9:30-10 AM
Romano, Joynt--HANIFI, ART
Cohort A: 2:10-2:40 PM
Cohort B: 10:10-10:40 AM
Hawley, Karagosian--GRINNELL
Cohort A: 2:10-2:40 PM
Cohort B: 10:10-10:40 AM
May 4th Ballot Proposal
All registered voters can vote on WBSD’s May 4th ballot proposal even though the election will not affect tax rate on primary residences
What is on the ballot?
A 2.0 mill, 4-year non-homestead operating millage proposal.
Who is affected by the May 4th ballot proposal?
The May 4th millage proposal applies to non-homestead properties (commercial, business, rental properties, vacant land, and second homes). This millage proposal does not apply to primary residences (the homes in which taxpayers live). It will not affect the tax rate levied on primary residences.
Who can vote in the May 4th election?
Any registered voter living in the WBSD can vote in this election. Registered voters can vote at the polls on May 4th between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Any registered voter also has the option of casting an absentee ballot March 20th through Election Day.
Absentee ballot applications are available now. Absentee ballots will be available after March 20.
Three easy steps to voting by absentee ballot:
1. Get an absentee ballot application in any school office or from the Clerk’s Office where you reside or online at www.michigan.gov/vote. (All local clerks will automatically mail an absentee ballot application to those voters on their permanent absentee voter lists.)
2. Complete the application and return it to your Clerk’s Office.
3. After March 20th, absentee ballots will be mailed to those who apply
For them.
What is the purpose of this election?
The State of Michigan requires school districts to levy 18 mills on non-homestead property to receive their full share of State Aid funding.
The 18-mill non-homestead millage approved by West Bloomfield voters in 2014 has been “rolled back” per requirements of the Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution. These rollbacks of the 18-mill non-homestead millage began shortly after voters approved the original proposal in 2014. The result has been operating revenue losses totaling more than $1.3 million over the past six years for the West Bloomfield School District.
The May 4th millage proposal will allow the school district to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on non-homestead property. Voter approval of the ballot proposal will restore the rolled back millage to the full 18 mills and protect the school district from future rollbacks.
If you have questions or need more information …
Go to www.wbsd.org/elections, call any West Bloomfield School District Principal or contact Assistant Superintendent Kyle Anderson at 248/865-6434 or by email at elections@wbsd.org.
2021-2022 Kids Klub Registration is Open
2021-2022
ONLINE REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR KIDS KLUB
April 19, 2021
Please note that Kids Klub spots fill up extremely fast at Doherty Elementary. If you are interested in using before or after school care through Kids Klub next fall, then we highly recommend that you get registered as early as possible.
The images below provide some overall details about the Kids Klub program.
Kids Klub and Tween Time bills must be paid prior to registration for the 2021-2022 school year.
If you have not paid your invoice in full and you register for Kids Klub/Tween Time services,
your registration fee will be used to pay down your balance and you will be removed from
2021-2022 Kids Klub/Tween Time enrollment.
You must pay your bill in full before you can enroll for next year’s Kids Klub/Tween Time. If this is a concern, please contact our office at 248-865-6468.
There are no guarantees that there will be spaces available once you have paid your invoice in full.
Note: Due to high enrollment we are unable to save a spot, enrollment may be capped. If cap is met, we will have to put your name on our placement list.
Do not wait to sign-up!
For more information:
● Go to https://www.wbsd.org/departments/community-education/kids-klubtween-time
Click on KIDS KLUB/TWEEN TIME, on the right of the screen, the green rectangle.***At this time the 2021-2022 school calendar has not been finalized. If early release, half days etc. need to be implemented our program will send additional information pertaining to pricing, calendars, and schedules at that time.***
Picture Re-Take Day--Monday, May 3rd
If your child has not had their picture taken and you need an order form, you can do ONE of the following:
- Print and complete the attached PDF at the end of this newsletter. Then, send this in with payment to school on May 3rd.
- Call the office at 248-865-6020. We will send a form home with your child.
- You may also order online, the online ordering ID is below.
Please be sure to send the order form in with your child on Monday, May 3rd with your payment. If you order online, please remind your child to let his/her teacher know they need their photo taken or email your child's teacher.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the office.
Picture Day DOHERTY ID for Online Ordering: EVTJ7K7JW
Post Picture Day Ordering: See Details Below
Access This Form by Opening PDF Attachment at End of Newsletter
Week of May 3rd is Teacher Appreciation Week
If you want to help join in on the fun, here's what you can do:
- Monday: Your child can wear his/her teacher's favorite color
- Any Day: Feel free to show a staff member love any day during this week in any way that you'd like.
- Friday: Your child may bring a flower for a staff member.
Wednesday Live Virtual Yoga: Wednesday at 11 AM
Ms. Taylor looks forward to seeing you all this Wednesday at 11 AM for another session of live virtual yoga.
It is National Superhero Day," and we will be having superhero themed yoga! Students are invited to dress up as a superhero!
Once again, thanks to the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition, Taylor will be leading her live virtual yoga session this Wednesday and every Wednesday at 11 AM.
Your child can access the Zoom link for Taylor's yoga on his/her teacher's Canvas page OR the specials Canvas pages.
Video Demo Below: For Accessing Wednesday Live Virtual Yoga
Video Introduction Below: Meet Taylor Beardsall, Virtual Live Yoga Instructor
Specials On-Demand Lesson for Wednesday, April 28th: Physical Education, Mrs. Grinnell
Each week, our children can engage in one on-demand specials activity that is loaded in Canvas for them. The specials focus will rotate each week.
This week, the focus will be PHYSICAL EDUCATION. If you need help accessing PE materials, please contact Mrs. Grinnell. Her email is colleen.grinnell@wbsd.org
Live Zooms for Specials on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Below are the links for Summer School
Links to Free Summer School Registration Are Directly Below
You can register for one session OR both.
Session 1 is June 21-July 16 No School on July 5
Session 2 is July 16-August 13
More Information About Free Summer School
We recently shared the link to sign up for free summer school. See the end of this communication for access to the links. We've received some really good questions regarding the summer school curriculum, how to actually sign up, and whether or not it is actually free. Below are some details that may help with your decision-making process.
The Schedule
Summer will be from 9 AM to 12 PM, five days a week. There are two sessions (listed below). You can sign up for one or both.
Session 1 is June 21-July 16 No School on July 5
Session 2 is July 16-August 13
Summer school is free from 9 AM to 12 PM. If you want your child to take advantage of before/after school care, then there is a cost associated with that.
Curriculum
The summer school curriculum will be exciting, new, and fresh for all of our students. It is not merely a review of concepts covered throughout this year.
Each 4-week session is theme-based. The first four weeks is based on the theme, Laker Maker, which focuses on creating, designing, innovating, and inventing. The kids will have unique and interesting challenges related to design and innovation throughout the 4 weeks. The next four weeks is based on the theme, Laker Detective, which focuses on problem-solving and using clues to solve mysteries. Both sessions will include guest speakers and other fun experiences related to the themes, and they will also include Lego Robotics.
As the children explore the themes, they will also engage in learning opportunities that are connected to our core curriculum. For example, children will have access to personalized learning opportunities in small groups with an instructor that meets them where they are at and helps them make personal growth in math and literacy skills. Children will also have opportunities to engage in Bridges Math Workplace Games, which are a huge hit with our kids. Meanwhile, there will be extension units of study in reading that are brand new, fresh, and exciting. Finally, our kids will have access to some really great writing experiences, including Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, writing about Science, and creative writing.
Who Should Sign Up?
This free summer school opportunity is for anybody and everybody. It is not designed to be remedial. Rather, it is designed to provide rich and authentic learning experiences for all, while also meeting kids where they are at in their literacy and math journey.
If you are even a little bit interested, I would encourage you to sign up for at least one of the 4-week sessions. Personally, I am excited to sign my son up for the second four-week session. It fits our summer schedule, it sounds really cool, and it gives him additional opportunities to connect with others in a structured environment.
The Registration Process (Summer School is Free, Unless You Want Before/After School Care)
When you click on the links to register (which are available below), there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, please note that the 9 AM-12 PM summer school is free. The only thing that costs money is if you choose to pay for before/after school care.
The system will ask you to set up an account before you can sign up. It does not cost any money to set up an account. There are a few steps involved, but it is not too tricky.
Once you set up the account and begin the registration process, you will see content that says "Fee Details." Under this, there is a late stay and early bird fee. You only have to pay if you want your child to arrive early (before 9 AM) and/or stay later (after 12 PM). Don't let the fee text scare you off. Keep going through the process until it asks you if you want to pay for early bird or late stay. When you get to this point, simply choose to NOT click these options.
You will need your child's student id number to sign up. This can be found in PowerSchool. If you need help accessing this, you can email stephanie.faulkender@wbsd.org or michelle.rudelic@wbsd.org.
If you try to go through the process and you just can't figure it out, please feel free to reach out if you need guidance getting registered. Our office staff can help.
Links to Registration
The registration links for summer school are live. If you are interested in your child attending, I would encourage you to sign up as quickly as possible to ensure your child's spot. There are two links below--one for the in-person summer school and one for the virtual summer school.
Cohorts
Students will be grouped in small cohorts throughout the day, which means that they will stay with their group throughout the day and not intermingle with other cohorts/classes. This is very similar to the current cohort model. However, this does not mean that it will be the same cohort of children from this school year.
Teachers
All of our summer school teachers will be West Bloomfield educators. Our elementary children will be lead by a certified elementary teacher in West Bloomfield--either from Doherty, Gretchko, Roosevelt, Scotch, or Sheiko.
As always, please feel free to connect with us if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Scott Long
April is...Autism Awareness Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Diversity Month
There are tons of opportunities to value, embrace, and celebrate diversity in the month of April, including Autism Awareness & Appreciation, Arab American Heritage Awareness & Appreciation, and Diversity Awareness & Appreciation.
Although we got a later start than usual, we have been broadcasting morning video announcements during face-to-face cohort instruction that highlight these wonderful aspects of our world. We will also continue these into the month of May. We will anthologize the video announcements below as the month progresses, and we invite you to re-watch with your child at home.
Finally, we are inviting our kids and families to help us celebrate by sending in videos or pictures that you feel would help us enhance this month's celebrations. You can send your content via email to scott.long@wbsd.org or via text to 248-259-5595. Additional examples/instructions about potential video content you can create can be found in the videos below.
You will also see a great explanation of our PTO Earth Day celebration and gift from our very own Maddalena Migliore!
Student Announcement Challenges for April and May
Autism Awareness and Appreciation, Part 1
Thank You, PTO, for Helping Us Celebrate Earth Day!
Reminder: Keeping Our Kids Safe with Clear Dismissal Change Notifications
Keeping our kids safe is our number one priority. In order to ensure that we achieve this priority, every single day, we need timely and clear communication whenever your child's dismissal plans change.
Email notification 24 hours in advance of a dismissal change is critical if we are to ensure that your child gets to the proper place at dismissal. When emailing us about dismissal changes, please be sure to ALWAYS include the following people:
- Your child's classroom teacher
- Michelle Rudelic at michelle.rudelic@wbsd.org and Stephanie Faulkender at stephanie.faulkender@wbsd.org (our administrative assistants).
- If your child attends Kids Klub or Cloud Care, Beth Helka at bethany.helka@wbsd.org or via phone at 248-865-6468
If you dismissal plans change and your are not able to give us 24 hour notice via email, please be sure to contact the main office to let Michelle or Stephanie know. However, we ask that you do your very best to avoid doing this. Last minute dismissal changes are very difficult to communicate to all necessary parties.
Enrichment, Recreation and Summer Camps (including a Free Summer School opportunity)
Amidst some of the amazing programming, there will be free summer school offered to students across the district for a four-week time period.
Online Summer School registration will open April 19th. This is a change from the original April 5th registration opening. This change was made due to some necessary adjustments that needed to be made to the programming. You can CLICK HERE to learn more about the various programs offered.
Seeking Evening Academic Support: Click Link Below
If you are looking for additional support for your child, you can access free tutoring from West Bloomfield staff members. Click on the link below to reserve your time slot.
Tech Support
FAMILY TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE
The Service Desk can only assist parents/guardians, not students. On the phone, a parent/guardian can grant verbal approval for their child to work with the Service Desk technician, but they MUST remain present during the entirety of the conversation.
Phone: (248) 209-2060
Email: oshelpdesk@oakland.k12.mi.us
Online Ticket Submission- servicedesk.oakland.k12.mi.us
When entering requests through the online portal or email, please be certain to include your full name, your child’s name and district, school building, the device they have been issued and a good phone number to call you back. This information will allow the Service Desk to provide the best possible service in the most efficient manner.
If you are in need of a district issued Chromebook, please complete an Oakland Schools Service Desk ticket.
District owned hotspots are available for those with no internet in the home due to financial hardship. If you are in need of a district owned hotspot, please submit an Oakland Schools Service Desk ticket.
If you are inquiring about PowerSchool, please email sylvia.mcoy@wbsd.org.
If you are inquiring about student Google account information, this can be found in PowerSchool or your teacher can provide this information to you.
Free Meals Still Available (No Curbside Meals on Wednesday, March 31st)
No cost curbside meals are available to all children 18 and under.
Meals are distributed every Wednesday at West Bloomfield HS from 11:30am-12:30pm and 3:30-4:30pm and Roosevelt Elementary from 11:00am-1:00pm.
Please preorder here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wVbzmc8iJQHZ10KLSwyS6MjpqtKEgKccMvdC06RtACY/viewform?gxids=7628&edit_requested=true .
Please call 248.865.6733 for questions and alternate meal pick up options.
In the Know with the PTO
Our PTO Board
Also the best way to find out Doherty PTO info is on our Liketree site linktr.ee/dohertypto
Our PTO Board is truly amazing. They embody what we are all about in the Doherty Family, and they always do what is best for our kids and staff. The PTO board includes:
Nicole Calvin, Vice-President
Sesilee Langs, Secretary
Renai Mayle, VP Of Fundraising
Joann Manetta, VP Of Committees
Preschool Registration Open
DOherty FAMILY Photo Album
21-22 Kinder Corner
Registration for 21-22 Kindergarten
School of Choice Applications: NOW CLOSED
Please note that the final day to apply through Schools of Choice was Tuesday, February 2nd. If you currently have a child that is already at Doherty or another WB school through Schools of Choice, please keep in mind that any younger siblings are NOT automatically "grandfathered" in.
Enrollment Process
Please note that, as listed below, we would like to have in-district families registered in Registration Gateway by February 17th. Please CLICK HERE to get started with the registration process.
Information About Kindergarten in the West Bloomfield School District
Kindergarten Information: Click Here
Welcome to Doherty Video
Incoming Child Information Form
Help Us With 21-22 Kindergarten Planning at Doherty
Between now and the start of the 2021-2022 school year, we will connect with all incoming kindergarten families to schedule a kindergarten readiness screener (as mentioned in our Kindergarten Round Up). Due to uncertainties related to COVID and to current COVID safety protocols in our buildings, we don't anticipate scheduling this screener until much later in the spring.
In the meantime, you can help us with planning by completing a Child Information Form. In this form, you also have the opportunity to request Kindergarten Plus for your child. Please CLICK HERE to access this form.
Doherty Kindergarten Showcase Slideshow
Doherty Elementary Virtual Tour
Accessing Report Card Grades in PowerSchool
Technology Help
FAMILY ASSISTANCE WITH TECHNOLOGY ISSUES
If you need technical assistance, you can request help from the Oakland Schools Technology Service Desks.
- Phone: (248) 209-2060
- Email: oshelpdesk@oakland.k12.mi.us
- Online Ticket Submission- servicedesk.oakland.k12.mi.us
Information for families is contained on the wbsd.org website under Technology. https://www.wbsd.org/departments/technology/chromebook-accident-and-loss-protection
The first thing families will need to do is submit an Oakland Schools Service Desk ticket if they have a damaged/lost/stolen device to make sure we are taking the proper steps in a timely manner. The steps Oakland Schools will take are outlined below.
· Determine if the issue is accident and loss protection applicable.
· Direct the parent to either one2one or Inacomp
· Deliver a spare to school building, pick up damaged device
· Submit damaged device for repair
· Contact parent to return original device and collect spare
Arrival & Dismissal: Staying Warm and Staying Safe
- Make sure your children dress warm--gloves, hats, winter jackets, etc.
- At arrival, make sure your child gets into and out of the car on the appropriate side.
Please continue reading for more details.
Dressing Warm
As long as the outdoor elements are safe enough, our dismissal plan includes our kids waiting outside for short periods of time for both buses and cars. With this in mind, please be sure that your child has all of the appropriate gear to stay warm during dismissal.
Exiting and Entering Cars on the Appropriate Side
As you know, we use two lanes in our parking lot to load and unload students during both arrival and dismissal.
- Cars using the lane closest to our sidewalk should plan on having their kids enter and exit the passenger side of the car.
- Meanwhile, cars using the lane closest to the interior of our parking lot should plan on having their kids enter and exit the driver side of the car.
- The diagram below provides a visual of what this looks like.
- If you need your child to exit on a specific side of the car, then please be sure to pull into the appropriate lane.
Follow the Doherty Family on Social Media
- Twitter: @Long_DohertyWB
- Facebook: facebook.com/DolphinsWB
- Instagram: @DohertyWB