Dolphin Tales
Week of March 22nd
Newsletter Overview
Upcoming events
Update for Remainder of This School Year (Board Vote)
Spring Break, No School March 29th-April 2nd
2021-2022 Planning Survey: Important Survey to Complete ASAP for Next School Year (if you have not already done so)
21-22 Kids Klub Registration Opens Soon
March is National Women's HIstory Month
March is Reading Month (review article for special activities prepared by our iCenter specialists)
Live Virtual Yoga on Zoom, Wednesdays at 11 AM
Wednesday, March 24th: On-Demand Specials, PE
Live Zoom Schedule for Specials (M, T, Th, F)
Headlines
May 4th Ballot Proposal Information
Enrichment, Recreation & Summer Camps (including a Free Summer School opportunity, with registration starting April 5th)
March Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Daily Mantra Calendar
WB Student Academic Support--Tutoring Available
- Technology Support
Free Meals Still Available (No Curbside Meals Available Wednesday, March 31st)
Enrichment Zone
- Preschool Registration Open
- Virtual STEAM Spring Break Camp
- Baseball Registration Opportunity
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)
- 2021-2022 Planning Survey: Due ASAP (if you have not already completed it)
- Wednesday, March 25th Virtual Yoga at 11 AM: Optional
- On-Demand Specials for Wednesday, March 25th: Physical Education
- Fall 2021 Kids Klub Registration Opens Soon. Don't Miss Your Chance to Reserve a Spot
- Free Summer School Registration Opportunity Available Soon.
Spring Break NO SCHOOL
Remainder of 2020-2021 School Year
In the end, the Board of Education voted to remain in our current hybrid instructional model for the remainder of this year. I am sure that this decision will be received in different ways for different families. I am also sure that, regardless of the decision, it was going to be impossible to make all families happy.
Now that a decision has been made and people have had the opportunity to voice their opinions, I believe the next one big thing we all can do for the sake of our kids is to work together, remain positive, and finish this school year off as best as we possibly can. I also believe that, in order to accomplish this one big thing, we have to maintain the right mindset. As Gandhi once said, our thoughts become our words, our words become our actions, our actions become our habits, our habits become our values, and our values become our destiny. Now that a decision has been made, how will we intentionally shape the destiny of our school community?
2021-2022 Planning: Please Complete Planning Survey to Secure Your Spot at Doherty OR Lakers Online
West Bloomfield Families,
First and foremost, thank you for all you do! As a district, we truly rely on your support and feedback as we make decisions that are best for our students and families. Believe it or not, we are in the beginning stages of planning for next school year.
We know it may seem a bit early, but we are in the process of planning for a full return in the fall.
Please note that we are planning for up to five full days of instruction in-person if you choose this option.
Depending on where we are at with things, masks will more than likely be required.
Online learning will be all-online, with a combination of live Zooms and on-demand assignments.
In order to begin this process, we would like to gather some information regarding your desired plan for the 2021-2022 school year.
There are two choices available for next school year:
Lakers Online
Your Child’s Current Home School (i.e. Gretchko, Scotch, Doherty, Sheiko, or Roosevelt)
If you have not already done so, please complete a quick survey to indicate your plans for the fall by CLICKING HERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (this survey was due March 15th). Please complete one survey for each one of your children that will be enrolled with us next school year. We realize that it may be challenging to make a decision about the fall. Please keep in mind that this survey is really meant to provide us with the data that we need to properly staff our buildings and Lakers Online. We realize that you may need to change your mind about Lakers Online or in-person learning at some point, as we get closer to the school year, and we are understand that we may need to be flexible with this as we get closer to the fall. Please complete this survey as if things will be in a good place in the fall.
Prior to completing the survey, here are some helpful tips to help you complete it quickly and accurately.
Tip #1: Please be ready to enter your child’s student ID number in this survey. This can be found in PowerSchool (note the picture at the end of this article; the student number can be found on the "Grades and Attendance Tab")
https://westbloomfield.powerschool.com/guardian/home.html
Tip #2: There is a question about your child’s grade level for NEXT YEAR. So, if your child is currently in kindergarten, then you will select first grade for this question.
Tip #3: There is a question about placement type. For this question, there are two options: 1) in-person learning; 2) online learning.
Please note that we are planning for up to five full days of instruction in-person if you choose this option.
Depending on where we are at with things, masks may be required.
Online learning will be all-online, with a combination of live Zooms and on-demand assignments.
Tip #4: There is a question about the school you would choose.
If you elect for online learning, then the answer will automatically be Lakers Online.
If you elect in-person learning, then you should select your child’s homeschool.
Thank you for your time in completing this survey by or before Monday, March 15th. This helps us prepare for a successful 2021-2022 school year.
Sincerely,
The West Bloomfield School District
2021-2022 Kids Klub Registration Opens Soon
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.***
March is National Women's History Month
March is National Women's History Month month, and it provides us with the necessary opportunity to dig deeper into how we recognize and celebrate the contributions of women. As a result, we are celebrating in a couple of different ways.
For starters, we have been broadcasting morning video announcements during face-to-face cohort instruction that highlight Women's History Month. 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 Women's History Month by sending in videos or pictures that you feel would help us enhance this month's celebration. 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.
March is Reading Month
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.
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
Wednesday, March 24th, Specials Focus: PE
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
March 24th: PE
April 7th: iCenter
April 14th: Music
April 21st: Art
April 28th: PE
Live Zooms for Specials on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
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.
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 begins April 5th, and you can CLICK HERE to learn more about the various programs offered.
Additional information will be provided in the near future.
March Diversity Equity & Inclusion Daily Mantra Calendar
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)
Please Note: Nutrition Services will not pass curbside meals on Wednesday, March 31, the week of Spring Break. All in school and curbside meal distribution will resume Monday, April 5.
Resuming the Week of Monday, April 5th:
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
Virtual STEAM Spring Break Camp
Virtual STEAM Spring Break Camp
Steam-Warts
Camp of Wizards, Spells, and Potions
We invite you to an all-virtual camp that combines STEAM, problem-solving, and fun in a safe way this Spring! Each daily workshop will include 2 hours of hands-on activities. Materials are include in the camp fee and delivered to your doorstep.
Monday - Friday 3/29-4/2 $125
3-5 p.m.
Register here, type Challenge Island in the search bar
Baseball Registration Opportunity
Registration is now open for the 2021 Franklin Baseball & Softball League
The Franklin Baseball League serves over 900 youngsters, ages 5 to 15, in Franklin, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Birmingham, Bingham Farms, and neighboring communities. The League will enjoy its 67th year of operation in 2021! The deadline for registration is April 30, and players registering after this date may be placed on a waitlist. Season Dates are 4/10/21-6/19/2021. Evaluations will take place on March 20th & 21st. Click on the following link to register:
https://www.franklin-baseball.com/Default.aspx?tabid=984786
All information needed to register players is found on the website www.franklin-baseball.com
Umpires may register on-line too. (Teenagers (13 & older) & adults). Click Here to register as an Umpire
*=Evaluations required
Leagues
Instructional (Boys and Girls)
Tee Ball (Kindergarten and 5 yrs old before 4/30/21)
Prep League (1st and 2nd Grade – must be 6 yrs old before 4/30/21)
Baseball (Boys)
Continental* (3rd and 4th Grade)
Little League* (5th and 6th Grade)
Pony* (7th to 9th Grade)
Softball (Girls)
Novice (1st and 2nd Grade)
Intermediate* (3rd to 5th Grade)
Senior* (6th to 9th Grade)
Come and Join the fun for the 2021 Season:
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