Words from West
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023
A Message from Ms. Balbaugh
Dear Middle School families,
As we enter February, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past few months and all that we have accomplished together as a school community.
This month, and through the balance of second semester, we will continue to prioritize student safety and well-being while providing meaningful educational experiences. Our dedicated teachers will be implementing innovative teaching strategies to engage students and ensure their academic success. We are planning a few assemblies and many service learning projects are taking place as well.
I would also like to remind families that our school counseling department is available to support students with any social-emotional needs they may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need assistance.
Finally, starting this week, please be aware that students will begin course selections and scheduling for the 2023-2024 school year. Please talk to your student about their options, interests, and future goals as this can be helpful when choosing classes.
In closing, I am grateful for the unwavering commitment and resilience shown by our entire school community. Let's continue to work together to make this a successful and memorable school year.
Stay Warm,
Ms. Balbaugh, Principal
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES
February 6 - 100th Day of School
February 8 - Count Day
February 10 - 7th Grade Dance - "Sneaker Ball"
February 13 - 6pm - School Board Workshop
February 14 - 6pm - PTO Meeting, WMS Library
February 17 - NO SCHOOL - PD Day for Staff, Building Closed
February 20 - NO SCHOOL - President's Day, Building Closed
February 23 - Staff vs. Student Basketball Game (8th gr. boys basketball team) - 3:15pm
February 27 - 7pm - Board of Education Meeting - WMS presentation night
February 28 - Full Day of School,
- Parent Teacher Conferences, In-Person, 4-7pm
March 1 - Half Day of School, Student Dismissal at 11:29 a.m.
- Parent Teacher Conferences, Virtual, 12:30 - 3:30pm
March 2 - Half Day of School, Student Dismissal at 11:29 a.m.
- Parent Teacher Conferences, virtual, 4-7pm
March 3 - Half Day of School, Dismissal at 11:29 a.m.
March 6 - 7pm - Board of Education Meeting
March 20 - 7pm - Board of Education Meeting
March 17 - Remote Learning Day (1/2 Day)
March 24 - Half Day of School, Dismissal at 11:29 a.m.
- Begin Spring Break
March 27 - March 31 - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
WE NEED YOU - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We are in need of employees to fully staff our building in the Custodial and Cafeteria areas!
Shifts are Monday through Friday
- Cafeteria Support - 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Custodial Support - 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
If you are interested, please reach out to Ms. Balbaugh (dbalbaug@gbcs.org) and she can point you in the right direction!
Thank you for considering!
SPELLING BEE WINNERS
Thank you to Debbie Chapman and WMS & PIC staff for encouraging your students to participate in the Spelling Bee held on January 31st, at WMS.
A huge thank you to Dr. Hall, Mrs. Mackey, Mrs. Kipp, and Mrs. Huggler for volunteering your time and judging the spelling bee. It could not have been held without you. We held one of the longest bees we have held in years as the competition was fierce! Congratulations to all students who participated!
The following students placed in the spelling bee, and first place winners will be representing GBCS at the county-wide bee in April. Please give these students a celebratory high-five if you see them in class or in the halls!
6th Grade:
1st place- Sean Gifford
Runner Up (Tie)- Khoury Ech-Chardi & Eyas Al-Zouba
7th Grade:
1st place- Liam Ngo
Runner Up- Wyatt Collins
8th Grade:
1st place- John Tewolde
Runner Up- Owen Fox
Thank you for supporting this event!
VOTE for Mr. Finkbeiner
Mr. Finkbeiner was nominated for the Michigan NOW, Golden Apple Award ! You can support our teacher by voting each day! Voting will continue through the rest of February with the winning teacher announced in the beginning of March
https://midmichigannow.com/station/contests/mid-michigan-now-golden-apple-awards-2022-2023
WALLS OF WEST
If you know a former WMS student that has made a particularly notable impact on others and the community and experienced success after their high school graduation, we would love to hear from you! Wherever their journey has taken them so far, be it directly to a career, apprenticeship, trade school, or college, we would like to hear about them. We want current students to see themselves in those who have gone before – to see their successes and be inspired to follow their own dreams!
SPRING CONFERENCES ARE COMING SOON
Teachers will be sending home a sign-up link to families of students with greatest concern first. Please stay tuned for a scheduling link and more information from your student's teachers.
The Spring Conferences will include a Celebration of Learning component as well!
MINDFULNESS UPDATES
Mindfulness lessons are continuing 2nd semester. Mrs. Casper will be visiting 2nd hour classes. Lessons include paying attention, breathing, gratitude, and emotions. Please ask your student what they have learned in mindfulness.
The WMS Morning Moment to PAWS is continuing daily. Each day students will hear an announcement at the beginning of the day asking them to pause or reflect. Each day’s theme is as follows:
Monday – Presence
Tuesday - Attention
Wednesday - Willingness
Thursday – Social and Self Awareness
Friday – teacher’s choice
The Mindfulness Room is open during 1st, 5th, and 6th hours. This space is for students to take a break when needed. When students arrive in the mindfulness room, they will chat with Mrs. Casper about what’s going on and what is needed to get them back to class being the best learner that they can be.
Please reach out with any questions or comments about Mindfulness at WMS.
Jennifer Casper
LUNCH RECESS
- Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for each day's weather.
- All students will be going outside for the first part of their 30 minute lunch.
WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL - PTO
Hello Parents and Guardians,
The WMS PTO exists to support and enhance the experience of students and staff at West Middle School. We accomplish this in a variety of ways, all of which require funds!
With fundraising being limited the past few years, we are asking all parents to consider donating $20 to the PTO. With just $20 from everyone, we will be able to plan fun events for students, support teachers and staff, and meet needs as they arise. Donations can be dropped off in the form of cash or check (made out to Grand Blanc Community Schools) to the main office marked PTO or you can use the convenient school pay option and just click on the link below.
Thank you for your support of our students and staff. As always, please join us at our monthly meetings announced in the newsletter (the next one is Tuesday, February 14th at 6:00pm), or send an email to let us know how you would like to be involved.
Don Chapin, PTO President
ATTENDANCE AWARENESS
Did you know students are considered chronically absent if they miss 10% of the school year? That is only two days a month! Please let us know if you need assistance getting your child to school; we are happy to partner with you!
#SchoolEveryDay
AFTER SCHOOL SUPPORT - TUTORING
WHERE - Library
SPANISH LAB - VIRTUAL SUPPORT
Spanish Lab is now available to all students who would like extra help or practice in any/all levels of Spanish. It is a VIRTUAL help session that students will be able to join through the Spanish Lab Google Meet from home (Classroom Code: QGK3DZD). Mrs. Weldon will host these sessions every Tuesday evening from 7:30-8:00 PM and students are welcome to drop in at any point during this time and stay for a few minutes or the entire session for extra assistance as needed.
REMINDERS
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH - Free Meal Program Has Ended - Please Read Carefully!
** Everyone must complete the 2022-2023 online meal application, which is available on the district’s website on the Dining Service page. Paper applications are no longer available. ALL meal applications must be completed online at the link below:
https://www.gbcs.org/diningservices
If you do not qualify for free or reduced meals, you may begin depositing money into student accounts at any time to prepare for the cost of school lunches next year.
Information on meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year is as follows:
Breakfast Meal Price $1.75
Lunch Meal Price $2.75
Completing an application is the only way to be considered for free or reduced meals for the 2022-2023 school year.
Please take action now.
For assistance, please contact our Food Service Department at (810) 591-6674 or (810) 591-6928.
POSITIVITY PROJECT
During Advisory each Tuesday, students will learn about the Positivity Project.
- The Positivity Project empowers America’s youth to build strong relationships - and to understand, appreciate and exemplify the character strengths in us all.
- Throughout the next few weeks, students will explore and learn about Teamwork, Open Mindedness, Integrity, and Creativity.
Grand Blanc West Middle School
West Middle School Main Office:
Monday - Friday 7:30AM - 4:00PM
Website: https://www.gbcs.org/Domain/19
Location: 1515 Reid Road, Grand Blanc, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-7309
Facebook: facebook.com/gbwms
Other Important Phone Numbers
ATTENDANCE HOTLINE - 591-8387
Athletics/Main Office 591-7309
Counseling Office 591-7335
Counselor (A-K) 591-7338
Counselor (L-Z) 591-7339