August Insights

Dear WBHS Community,

It is with great excitement and anticipation that I welcome everyone to WBHS for the 2022-2023 school year.

As we prepare for another school year, I am so excited for the opportunities that are present for us. It is our goal at WBHS to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of each and every student. We plan to deliver robust and engaging learning opportunities for students in the classrooms through independent and collaborative activities, team oriented thinking processes, and innovative problem solving. We have grown and developed in teaching and learning in flexible environments, and we have new skills and techniques to best reach all of our students. The list below highlights some of our exciting opportunities for the 2022-2023 school year:

• Enhancement of Canvas as our dedicated learning platform

• Full time, in-person instruction with WBHS teachers for each class

• Connections with friends and community through athletics, the arts, and activities

• An advisory period for all students, focused on supporting academic and social-emotional support

• Full scale theater productions, choir concerts, and band and orchestra performances

Our beginning of the year programs such as Jumpstart and Freshman Day will launch our students into a new and exciting school year at WBHS. Please note the information embedded in this newsletter. There is a great deal of content about the coming school year in this issue and I encourage you to read the articles, announcements, and calendar and to keep the issue for future reference. August Insights can also be found on the West Bloomfield High School website. Whether your student is beginning, continuing, or finishing his/her high school journey with us this year, we look forward to partnering with you for the academic, social, and emotional growth that will prepare them for success later in life. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time with questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Eric Pace

Principal, WBHS

Jump Start is for all students! Each grade will be assigned a specific day/time to attend, if the student cannot make their assigned day/time, they can attend the makeup days. Students schedules will only be available during their assigned time.

During Jump Start students will have their school pictures taken, get their student IDs, return books/pay fines, (students cannot pick up class schedules until outstanding fines are paid) check out available clubs, purchase family athletic passes, yearbook and parking passes, and pick up your class schedule!

Freshman Day is an event for the incoming 9th grade students, they should plan to attend from the beginning of Freshman Orientation through Jump Start. At orientation students will meet with their mentors and engage in group activities to help them to meet other students and acclimate themselves to WBHS. Parents should plan to attend only the short Parent Information Session, this will give you a chance to hear all about what WBHS has to offer, meet the staff, and to have your questions answered. This will be followed by Cookies in the Courtyard and then Freshman Jump Start.

WBHS 2022-23 Jump Start Schedule

August 17th, 2022 (Juniors/Seniors)

• Senior Jump Start: 8:00 AM-10:30 AM

• Junior Jump Start: 12:00 PM-2:30 PM

August 18th, 2022 (Sophomores)

• Sophomore Jump Start: 8:00 AM-10:30 AM

August 19th, 2022 (Freshman Day)

FRESHMAN DAY/Freshman Jump Start (9th Grade)

• Last names A-L

• Freshman Orientation: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (students only)

• Parent information session: 10:00 AM

• Cookies in the Courtyard: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

• Jump Start: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

• Last names M-Z

• Freshman Orientation: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (students only)

• Parent information session: 1:30 PM

• Cookies in the Courtyard: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

• Jump Start: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

August 22nd (Jump Start Make-Up)

• Make-Up Jumpstart Day (All grade levels): 8:00 AM-10:30 AM

In preparation for the 2022 - 2023 school year, we’d like to notify you of an exciting change within the Counseling Department. We are increasing our support for students by going from 5 ½ to 6 full time counselors!

Although we are excited about this change, this requires a realignment of the counselors’ caseloads so that we can best service all students. We will be holding articulation meetings between counselors to learn about students’ needs to ensure that students’ needs and priorities are communicated to your students’ new counselors. Incoming Seniors will stay with the counselor they have been working with over the past three years.

The below chart shows the alphabetical breakdown using the first 3 letters of your child’s last name (Again, all 12th grade student’s counselors will remain the same as last year).

As you know, we spent a great deal of time and effort in the spring helping our students select courses for the fall. The counselors presented information to the students and the students were given time to enter their course requests with the guidance of their counselor. We emphasized that students select courses wisely as course requests would not be changed after May 1st due to the fact that staffing assignments and the master schedule are built from student requests.

Student schedules will ONLY be adjusted for the following reasons (see Schedule Change):

1. Failure from the previous semester in a prerequisite course

2. Completed the course already in a previous academic year or during summer school

3. An incomplete schedule or missing class (there should be seven courses for each semester on your student's schedule)

4. Your student was scheduled in two courses that provide the same credit (i.e. World History and AP World History)

For students that need to make a schedule change based on one of the four reasons listed above, a schedule change request form is available at the Counseling office. Please see your counselor.

Wednesday, September 7th

See what it's like to be back in high school, walk your child's schedule, meet their teachers, hear an overview of each of their classes. More details to follow.

In order to update student records and have the most current health information, please fill out the Health Alert form and send with your student to Jumpstart.

If your child takes medication during the school day, even if it is over the counter, a Medication Permission form is required to be signed and turned into the Counseling office by the first day of school. We have a med tech on staff to assist your student if needed.

Even if your student self-carries the medication, we require that you please submit the permission form. A link to the form can be accessed here.

West Bloomfield High School will continue to offer parking privileges to eligible 11th and 12th-grade students that purchase and properly display a WBHS parking permit. Criteria for obtaining and maintaining a parking permit can be found on the application form linked below. Students may only park in the main and south lots, NOT in the north lot (by the stadium), which is reserved for staff parking.

Seniors and juniors can purchase their parking pass at Jump Start, provided they bring the permit fee- $100 payment (cash or check payable to West Bloomfield Schools), evidence of a driver's license and vehicle registration, and have filled out the application found at the link below. Parking permits are to be fully adhered to the bottom left-hand side of the windshield of the vehicle for which it was purchased. If a family would like to register additional vehicles, they need to complete the application and provide a $5.00 payment for each.

2022-2023 Parking Permit Application

Additional information here

Yearbooks will be available for online purchase only (see link below) and available starting on August 17, 2022.

Pricing is as follows:

8/17/22-8/28/22 $70 (JumpStart price)

8/29/22-12/31/22 $80

1/1/23 or later $100

For yearbook purchases please visit yearbookordercenter.com

Senior Ads:

Due January 22, 2023

Must be purchased and created online.

Carefully proofread before submitting as they will be printed as is!

Senior ad purchases please visit yearbookordercenter.com (same website as the yearbook)

Senior Pictures Deadlines:

October 29th, 2022 - All seniors who wish to have their photos taken through Prestige studios through LifeTouch must have them taken by this date.

November 15th, 2022 - All senior pictures are due (final pose chosen and submitted)

Juniors and Seniors who meet the National Honor Society academic criteria (3.5 or above cumulative GPA) will receive an invitation to apply to NHS. More information will be forthcoming after the start of school to answer any application questions.

Prescribing to the four tenants of the National Honor Society (Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, and Service), prospective members must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, show leadership in activities, no ISS or OSS suspensions, and must complete at least ten hours of verifiable community service. The service hours may not have been used for another class or for any type of credit, and must have been completed for a non-profit organization (school, church, senior citizens home, food bank, charitable organizations, etc.). These qualifications are described in more detail in the WBHS Student Handbook on page 12. (see link below)

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1608055937/wbsdorg/ctij0wuddvpm7pxxbmvc/2020-21StudentHandbookforwebsite.pdf

2022-2023 CHROMEBOOK REPAIR POLICY/BROKEN OR LOST DEVICES

The WBSD Chromebook Repair Policy will allow for two repairs free of charge for the entire time your student is enrolled at West Bloomfield School District. Once a student has elapsed their two free repairs, they will need to pay a flat rate of $50 per repair after that.

If the device is ever deemed unrepairable or device is lost or misplaced, the student is required to pay a $250 device replacement fee. This will not go towards their two free repair counts.

It is in the best interests of the family to report all issues as soon as they happen. The need for repair of multiple issues increases the chances of a device being deemed unrepairable, leaving the family responsible for paying the $250 replacement fee.

Below you will find the device repair steps.

Warranty Repair - Free

First Repair (If Repairable) - Free

Second Repair (If Repairable) - Free

Third Repair and Beyond (If Repairable) - $50 Each

If Device is Beyond Repair (Total Replacement) - $250

If Device is Lost - $250

Nutrition Services would like to take this opportunity to welcome your student(s) to the 2022-23 school year!

With day-to-day life beginning to return to normal, we want to share important news that will affect many families. Free school meals for all students has ended. The federal waivers – administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – that made it possible for us to serve school breakfast and lunch meals to students for free throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic, have expired.

Income eligibility guidelines for no cost meals have changed and your student(s) may be eligible for no cost meals. There are important steps you can take NOW to be sure your student receives the meals they need for the 2022-2023 school year. We encourage you to apply for meal benefits online at westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud. In addition to no cost meals, these supplemental programs have the potential to offer additional support for reduced priced sports, ACT, SAT, college application and AP exam waivers. You must take action to make it happen. Students who qualify for reduced meal benefits will receive meals at no charge.

If you do not qualify for meal benefits, you may begin depositing money into student accounts online at westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud at any time to prepare for the cost of school lunches next year. No charging of meals or a la carte is permitted.

Meal prices remain the same as pre-pandemic.

Breakfast: $1.50 Lunch: $3.05

Please contact Nutrition Services with questions or assistance at

248.865.6732

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information

(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Social Media/Website: We often get the question, “What is the best way to stay updated on schedule changes and news from the athletic department?” The best way is to follow us on social media- Athletic Director Eric Pierce @therealepap and Principal Eric Pace @ericpaceWBHS on Twitter as well as West Bloomfield Laker Athletics on Facebook. We also post almost everything you need to know on our website, https://westbloomfieldathletics.com/ . For specific team information regarding practices, etc, you will want to see if the team has its own social media account such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Spectator Passes: Parents and students can save money by purchasing an annual pass. These passes will be available at Jumpstart Registration as well as in the West Bloomfield High School Athletic Office. Family Passes - $100, these passes will get you free admission to home games for all WBHS sponsored sports with the exception of Hockey, Lacrosse, and Field Hockey. These passes also do not provide for free admission for MHSAA tournaments. 4 passes are provided with purchase.

Last, please allow me to take a moment to thank you, WBHS parents, for everything that you do for our students and for West Bloomfield High School. Without your patience, caring, and support our students would not have the many opportunities offered to them in our athletics programs. You truly are the unsung heroes!

We look forward to a wonderful 2022-2023 school year!

Go Lakers!!!!!!!!

Eric Pierce

Athletic Director

West Bloomfield High School

We'd like to welcome Jake Sutton, Transportation General Manager!

Transportation is provided for WBHS resident students who reside more than one (1) mile from the high school. In order to ensure safety, students are required to conduct themselves according to school district transportation rules and regulations.

Students are expected to be at their bus stop ten (10) minutes prior to pickup time to allow for weather and traffic variances. If a student is not at their stop when the bus arrives, the bus is not required to stop. Please allow time for drivers and students to familiarize themselves with new routes before calling regarding changes.

Transportation information will be sent to eligible students.

Thank you for your cooperation and together let us look forward to a safe and productive school year.

Please click on the link below for more information

https://www.wbsd.org/departments/transportation

The WBHS College and Career Center and the Counseling Department are proud to support our students with their college and career planning. We hosted a variety of college readiness workshops in the spring for the Class of 2023 on topics such as:

• Creating the College List

• Career Search Tools

• Sending Transcripts using Parchment

• Essay Writing

• Scholarships 101 and Financial Aid Basics

We also host a College Application Boot Camp in mid-August where we support seniors with the college application process and get a jump start before school starts. Information was emailed to seniors about how to register.

Last spring, Mrs. Essig emailed a College and Career Prep newsletter to all rising juniors, seniors and their parents. If you missed it, you can find them linked here: Class of 2023 or Class of 2024. Students and parents are encouraged to check their email frequently so they don’t miss out on opportunities for assistance in this process. We are here to help!

In September, we will offer weekday seminars for seniors who need assistance in the college application process. Seniors will also attend a class meeting and receive information and support. Students can sign up to meet with their counselor or Mrs. Essig in the College and Career Center to seek assistance with the process. We will also offer a College On Site Admissions Day in October where seniors can meet with a variety of admissions reps and receive an admissions decision during the meeting. Registration details will be emailed to seniors in mid September.

Juniors and seniors (and their parents) are encouraged to visit the College and Career Center Canvas pages for a wealth of information related to all things college and career. Mrs. Essig has an extensive list of videos, presentations and scholarship opportunities listed here. Students are welcome to make an appointment with her using the link on the College and Career Center Canvas page.

Once school starts, we will host many college and university admissions reps on-site or virtually. These admissions representatives will discuss scholarships, programs, and answer student questions. This is a great way to connect with an admissions rep and get a feel for the university. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend. Registration details will be provided on the College and Career Center Canvas page in September.

Parents and students should read the Counselor Connection newsletter regularly for specific details on upcoming events and more. The Counselor Connection is emailed to all student and parent email addresses two times per month. If you are not receiving the newsletter, please update your email address in PowerSchool by calling the counseling office secretary at 248-865-6770. You can also follow us on Twitter at @WBHSCounseling. We are happy to assist you during this exciting time!

Transcripts will be sent electronically by Parchment. No transcript can be sent from WBHS until school begins in the fall and all summer records have been verified. We project the first opportunity to send these transcripts will be September 16. Students may request transcript submission AT ANY TIME from Parchment, but WBHS will release them starting September 16.

As you may already know, our district utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more. This resource is on top of the emails and phone messages you already receive from SchoolMessenger.

You can participate in this service just by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our district’s short code number, 67587.

You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our

messages with “Stop”.

SchoolMessenger is compliant with the Student Privacy PledgeTM, so you can rest assured that your information is safe and will never be given or sold to anyone.

If your child is a student (3 to 26 years of age) in the West Bloomfield Schools, s/he can participate in the 2022-2023 Blessings in a Backpack program. 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 sign up, complete the Blessings Application

For more information, click on the links:

1st Agency Brochure/Enrollment form

MI Premier Opt Plan Student Brochure 2022-2023

MI opt. benefits reates 22.23

The West Bloomfield School District communication network provides many opportunities to showcase our students. Our Board of Education frequently honor students for special accomplishments. The district newsletter and The Laker displays photographs and success stories. District and building email and website provide students with an opportunity to share their accomplishments. These and many other opportunities exist within the WBSD to offer public acknowledgement of our students and staff through public communication.

Parents who would not want their student’s image or work included in any school or district communication should send written notification to the Principal’s office before the start of the school year.

The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires that school districts notify parents and/or guardians yearly of their right to review their student’s educational records. Parents wishing to review student records must notify the Counseling Office for an appointment.

If students are receiving or have received special education services, parents should contact the Special Services Office at 248-865-6470.

WBHS will provide information about the school’s vocational education classes in any language. Parents who want this information in their language of origin should contact the Board Office at 248-865-6479.

Public Act 131 requires schools to notify parents and guardians of school students of their right to be informed before application of pesticides on school grounds or in buildings.

As part of the West Bloomfield School District’s pest management program, pesticides are occasionally applied after normal school hours.

Parents who want to be notified before a pesticide treatment should contact the WBHS Principal’s Office for a Pesticide Prior Notification Request form.

WBHS IS A LATEX SAFE ENVIRONMENT. We strongly encourage our students to restrict their use of latex items on the property. Said items may be confiscated or removed from the premises for student safety.

Regular meetings of the Board of education of the WBSD will be held the fourth Monday of each month, starting at 7:00 pm. All community members are welcome to attend. For more information click the link below.

https://www.wbsd.org/about-us/boe/meeting-schedule

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

Arrangements can be made to accommodate English as a Second Language (ESL) population. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:

Mr. Eric Whitney

Assistant Superintendent for

Talent Development and Management

West Bloomfield School District

5810 Commerce Road

West Bloomfield, MI 48324