WBSD Weekly Update

We hope that your children are enjoying the snow day today! Please be safe and take advantage of the early start to midwinter break!

Don't forget that there is no school on:
Monday, February 21
Tuesday, February 22

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

Based on current conditions, MDHHS is withdrawing the Public Health Advisory on Masking in Indoor Public Settings, including school settings

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline in the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is updating its mask guidance for public settings, including school settings, to reflect that Michigan is entering a post-surge, recovery phase.

Moving forward, the COVID-19 cycle can be broken down into three key phases:

• Response - Local and state public health implement rapid response to a surge. The public may be advised to increase masking, testing, and social distancing.
• Recovery - Post-surge. No immediate resurgence predicted. Local and state public health will monitor conditions that could lead to future surges.
• Readiness - A surge in cases is expected, with implications on the severity of illness and hospital capacity. Increased communication to the public regarding possible new risks.
  
  To read the full press release dated February 16, click here.

WBSD will follow the guidance of the Oakland County Health Division, lifting our mask mandate on February 28. We still encourage masking, and although it is not required, you are welcome to continue wearing masks.

Masks DO NEED to be worn on our buses.

Dr. Hill was quoted on the topic on February 11 in The Detroit News article, titled

Wayne Co. becomes last Michigan county to drop student mask mandate

click here to view the full article.

Thank you for your continued support!

The entire school district was set to engage in the first of four District-wide lockdown drills on 2/18. The purpose of these lockdown drills is for all of our schools to reinforce and practice safety procedures in the event of an emergency situation. While we always engage in these types of drills at each building throughout the school year, this will be the first time in which we synchronize the drills across the District. Stay tuned for a new date!

Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. https://bit.ly/WBSDPreview

Do you know a family with a soon-to-be High Schooler? We hope you join us for the Virtual High School Preview Night. Three options will be discussed:

-West Bloomfield High School
-Oakland Early College
-Lakers Online

Click on the video below to hear more from Mr. Pace, WBHS Principal, and don't forget to share with others that may be interested.

Sheryl Hauk, Fine Arts Coordinator for the WBSD, is instrumental in leading our Lakers in Music, Visual, and Performing Arts. She motivates and provides professional development at all levels. Thank you for all that you do!

• The History Behind Black History Month – Teaching Tolerance
• Do’s and Don’ts of Teaching Black History – Teaching Tolerance
• Five Things Not to Do During Black History Month – Zaretta Hammond
• Mining the Jewel of Black History Month – Emily Chiariello
• Four Black History Month Must-Haves – Zaretta Hammond
• Black History Month Is Over. Now What? – Dena Simmons

• Black History 101 Museum

• Love Yourself: Wellness While Black
• Virtual History of the Tuskegee Airmen
• Black Expo

Book Lists

· Black History Bios (Kids)

· Read-Alikes: Rick Riordan (Kids)

· Black History Month (Teens)

West Bloomfield Library receives national recognition

West Bloomfield was one of three libraries in Michigan named on the Library Journal’s Star Libraries list. Read more about it in the West Bloomfield Beacon.

Library on the Go Crafts

Don’t miss out on this month’s free craft kits for tots, tweens, & teens! Make a heart valentine with your toddler-preschool children, or pick up a love craft kit for your 4th-12th grader. Register here.

Library Card Application & Renewal

Library cards may be requested or renewed on the website.