WBSD Weekly Update
Friday, October 13, 2023
Dear Team WBSD,
We work every day to make our schools a safe learning environment, and starting Monday we will be participating in Safe Schools Week as a district, with age-appropriate activities at each level. Here is a quick summary of activities by day.
Monday - Positive Post-It
Today we flip the script on bullying by encouraging students to post compassionate and thoughtful messages on lockers and in hallways.
Tuesday - Chalk It Up to Safety
Students will create colorful and positive messages related to safety on school sidewalks promoting safety awareness. At the high school level, students will work through the See Something, Say Something campaign.
Wednesday - Digital Safety, Wear Orange
Today, we encourage students and staff to wear orange (the Unity Day color) to show kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Students will be reminded about digital safety by discussing safe online practices. Each class will learn the dos and don’ts of being online. K-2 students will simply be reminded that strangers can be both in person and online and to tell a trusted adult. Grades 3-12 will review this checklist. Students will also prep Unity posters for Thursday’s activity.
Thursday - Safety Pledge
We will hold a ceremony where students and staff take a stand and pledge to keep their schools safe.
Friday - Link Together to Keep Schools Safe
Students will participate in making safety chains to think about and promote safe school behaviors. Each idea for safe behavior will be written on a paper link and connected to form a chain. Additional activities may include roundtable discussions on safety, reminding students about OK2SAY, and other activities like posting the safety pledges, or celebrating those who go above and beyond to keep our schools safe.
We will highlight activities throughout the week on our social media, and encourage families to discuss these activities at home to reinforce we are all in this together.
With thanks for all you do to keep our schools safe this week and always,
Superintendent Dania H. Bazzi, PhD
WBHS students attend LTU Exploration Day
LTU Exploration Day
Hands-on Steam activities
with LTU Professors and WBHS Alum
The Laker Opportunity Center: Alternative High School Completion Program
The Laker Opportunity Center: Alternative High School Completion Program
The Laker Opportunity Center (TLOC) offers an alternative learning experience for those that have struggled in the traditional learning environment. TLOC offers students the opportunity to complete high school and graduate with a diploma. Our school leaders will help you select the right learning mode for you or your student. Learn more on their facebook page or https://www.wbsd.org/tloc.
In-Person Cohorts
Students may join an in-person cohort, meeting 2-3 times weekly. Monday & Thursday OR Tuesday & Friday are available, with a Wednesday rotation.
Drop-In
Qualifying students completing coursework from home may qualify for opt-in meet-ups only.
All Online
Qualifying students can learn entirely from home, communicating with school staff via email and video only.
For more information please contact Morrison Borders, Principal at morrison.borders@wbsd.org
October 2023 WB Inclusive Acknowledgements and Celebrations Newsletter
Upcoming Performances and News
You’re Invited to be part of WBSD’s Global Equity Team
Global Equity Team - first meeting October 18
You are formally invited to be part of the West Bloomfield School District’s Global Equity Team (G.E.T.).
G.E.T. exists to build a community that supports a restorative culture through relationships and educational equity for all. The three main focus points of the Global Equity Team are student outreach, culture and climate, and training and development.
Who will we be as a team?
We are students, caregivers, staff; and anyone who is part of the West Bloomfield community! Are you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and social-emotional health and well-being? If so, please join us. Meetings will be held monthly along with opportunity for participation in subcommittees and special programs/projects.
What kind of work might G.E.T. be involved in?
Shared articles, learning, and discussion around various topics relevant to our school and district
Examining school materials with an equity lens
Development of language protocols on school documents
Reviewing and updating school policies and practices through an equity lens
Sharing classroom practices that lift up equity work
Discussion of concerns that arise around equity within a building
Elevating student, parent and community voices
If you are interested in being a member of the Global Equity Team click here. Our inaugural meeting will take place at West Bloomfield High School in the Media Center on October 18, at 6 p.m. We encourage your participation and engagement in this transformative initiative.
What other resources may be helpful in understanding our work?
Volunteer to be a Reading Buddy
In West Bloomfield, our mission is to support each student’s needs by providing the opportunities, experiences, and educational tools for their journey. Would you like to be part of this mission by volunteering to help a young reader in first or third grade? If you are interested, please consider signing up to volunteer for our Reading Buddies program. We are starting at two buildings as our volunteer base develops.
More Information
This video provides a general description of the Reading Buddy volunteer program.
This slideshow provides more detail.
This is the sign-up sheet that you can fill out if you are interested and email to randi.fogel@wbsd.org and michelle.berman@wbsd.org or deliver in person to the curriculum office at the ACS building - 5810 Commerce Road.
WBHS Class of 1982 Alumna Produces Award Winning Documentary
Laura Morton is pleased to share her film with our community "Anxious Nation" Film Screening & Panel Discussion,
This documentary sets out to lift the shroud of shame around mental health while giving emotional insights into how anxiety shows up in our children’s lives, how it impacts families, and what parents’ role may be in the journey. To take part in the expert panel discussion following the screening and view the movie, purchase tickets here.
- 10/18 at Maple Theater in Bloomfield Twp
- 10/25 at Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor
Casino Night
Tickets are On Sale Now! Sponsorship Opportunities Available
NEW LOCATION: Glen Oaks Country Club
Evening of Friday, February 2, 2024
Live Music - Games - Dancing
All info here www.wbef.org
WBSD is Hiring
After the Bell, Clubs & More
- Saturday Morning Youth Basketball at WBHS, More Info Here STARTS on 10/21
- WB Wrestling Club, More Info Here
- Math Pentathlon, More Info Here
- Drawing at Doherty & Sheiko, More Info Here
WBSD Library News
Book Lists
· Baseball-Themed Fiction (Teen)
Calling All K-12 Lego Fans!
The library has a variety of school-aged Lego programs happening in October! No registration is required for any of these events
- Lego Builders Club: Grades K-5 can stop by the Main Library on Thursdays weekly from 4-6 PM through October 19 for some creative Lego building. Their Lego creations will be displayed in the Main Library at the end of October.
- Westacres Lego Club: Grades K-5 have a chance to build at the Westacres Branch on the third Wednesday of each month through December from 6-7 p.m. The next session is Wednesday, October 18.
- Teen Lego Relief Printmaking: Grades 6-12 can learn how to make prints without expensive or specialized equipment. Use Legos to create a design that will be inked and pressed onto paper.
- Gamefest (Grades 3-8) Saturday, October 7 from 1-3 p.m. Do you love video gaming? Join us for a fun afternoon of gaming at the Main Library Meeting Room. We’ll have several game systems (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox) for kids and tweens to share and play with others. For grades 3-8. No registration required.
We want to share your wonderful news 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.