WBSD Weekly Update
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
2024 Calendar
February 27: Operating Millage Renewal on Primary Ballot
February 28: Late Start
March 13: Late Start
March 25 - 29: Spring Break
Click here to view other important dates.
West Bloomfield Middle School: Black History Mobile Museum
Students toured the tables of records, music, art, magazines, books and more!
The renewal of our operating millage is on the ballot Tuesday, February 27th. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please remember to exercise your right to vote, and be aware that four of our schools are polling locations:
West Bloomfield Middle School
Doherty Elementary School
Gretchko Elementary School
Scotch Elementary School
We have a separate entrance and exit for those voting in our schools. School will be open and in session.
What is the difference between a bond and an operating millage?
A bond proposal is how a public school district asks its community for authorization to borrow money to pay for capital improvements. Voter-approved bond funds may be spent on projects described in the proposal. Funds raised through the sale of bonds cannot be used on operational expenses such as employee salaries and benefits, school supplies, and textbooks. Bond funds must be kept separate from operating funds and must be audited by an independent auditing firm.
An operating millage is just that - funds for day to day operations. The WBSD operating millage pays for:
Teachers
Counselors
Social Workers
Bus drivers
Mental health programs
School safety
Educational programs
The graphic above (click to enlarge) summarizes the key points of this ballot proposal:
This is not a tax increase. This is a renewal of an existing millage.
This makes up approximately 17% of our annual operating budget.
The non-homestead millage proposal is only for non-homestead properties, like commercial, business, rental properties, vacant land, and second-home property owners. This portion does not impact primary residences.
There is an Operating Millage Renewal FAQ on the district website that contains facts about the ballot proposal.
Paid for by: West Bloomfield School District, 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324
WBSD Redistricting FAQ's
The Board of Education approved the redistricting plan shared previously. Here is the map that shows the new boundaries along major roads (click to enlarge).
For answers to frequently asked questions about this process, please visit the district website - under About Us, click K-5 Redistricting.
WBSD Transition Activities
Elementary student and family transition activities
WBSD has been hard at work planning activities that will make our transition to four K-5 elementary schools more successful for students, families and staff next fall. Here is a quick outline of major activities:
Teacher placement for elementary buildings will be communicated to staff March 15. Once this occurs, we can effectively begin formal student & family transition activities. Efforts in coping skills, self-regulation and building healthy relationships will continue through partnerships with Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition (yoga, Kids in Charge, Coping Bags, Renewed) and Capturing Kids Hearts. Click here to view the schedule.
We welcome your ideas for additional transition activities. While we cannot guarantee we will be able to implement them all, we will do our best to ensure students, staff and families feel supported through this change.
Please know that while we work on these important connections, several committees have been formed to address details in these key areas:
Scotch/Gretchko Playgrounds, Lunch Schedules, Furniture Swap/Furniture Needs, Bus Routes, Moving Buildings/Quotes, Communication Plan, Staff Placements, Building Signage, Special Services, Programing, Musical Instruments (4 K-5 Buildings), Preschool Placement, Phones, Building Maps, Google Maps (Sheiko at Abbott), Gym Equipment (K-5), SoC Student Placement, iCenter-Books, Title I Adjustments, Classroom-Packing & Moving, and Student & Staff Transition Plans.
Annual Education Reports available
We are pleased to inform you that the district and school Annual Education Report (AER) and letters are now available to access on our district and school webpages. You can access the district AER and school AER letters at each website, under the “About Us” tab.
The AER provides key information on the 2023-24 educational progress for the West Bloomfield School District and our schools. The AER addresses the complex reporting information required by federal and some requirements of state laws. Our staff is available to help you understand this information. Please contact Michelle Rudelic at michelle.rudelic@wbsd.org if you need assistance understanding how to access the report.
"Gold Key" Award Winning Submission
Alex Gervason a WBHS senior has created most of the poster and flyer artwork for the theatre department. Her comic book art will be automatically submitted for National Honors which will be judged and awarded in March.
Where Are They Now? WBHS Grads
Attention all 5th Graders in West Bloomfield School District
This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!!!
A chance to meet the #1 Team in the State!
You are invited to a Community Night at the WBHS Girls Basketball game on Friday, February 23rd at WBHS.
Please come join us on Friday, February 23rd for our first Community Night for
Girls Basketball.
- 5:30pm- Students will be directed to the cafeteria at West Bloomfield High School for the beginning of the event.
- 5:40-6pm- Students will have the opportunity for a meet/greet autograph signing with the players from the Varsity Girls Basketball Team. Each student will be provided a team poster for the autographs.
- 6 pm- Head Basketball Coach Darrin McAllister will address the 5th graders and talk about the team and athletics. Athletic Director Eric Pierce and Principal Eric Pace will also address the students and provide a special gift (t-shirt).
- 6:20-6:40pm- Pizza and drinks will be provided for all 5th graders in attendance.
- 6:40pm- Students will be walked down to the gymnasium to watch their #1 in the State West Bloomfield Lakers take on Stoney Creek at 7pm. Each student and their parent(s) will receive free admission to the game.
If you plan to attend RSVP so we can be sure to have ample prizes and food available!
RSVP HERE!
Arrive at 5:30 p.m. for an evening of fun!
Interested in the club sport Boys Lacross?
WB LACROSSE BOWLING FUNDRAISER
Sunday, February 25 from 1-4 pm at Wonderland Lanes 8265 Richardson Rd. Commerce Mi.
Bowling, Shoes, Pizza and Pop included. Great silent auction Items! Bring Friends and Family. If you have questions, contact fundraising Chairperson Jennifer Gulati 586 206 0487.
Please pay in advance: Venmo@Jennifer-Gulati-1
Please note if you are supporting the boys or girls teams. The proceeds raised will benefit each team.
Up to 5 per lane, smaller parties may be combined.
On Sunday, three Laker wrestlers made the trek out to Howell High School for the MHSAA Girls Regional competition, hoping to finish in the top 4 spots in their weight classes and thereby earn a trip to the MHSAA State Finals at Ford Field.
We’re happy to report that all three girls did just that, and will be competing at the State tournament on March 1st and 2nd. Though West Bloomfield only brought 3 wrestlers, their impressive performance was enough to earn a team score of 7th place out of the 71 schools who competed! Congratulations, girls!
Alexa Hampton – 2nd place
Eva Zimnicki – 3rd place
Tamari Khizanishvili – 4th place
Go Lakers!
THIS JUST IN!
West Bloomfield School District will host a watch party to view Don Tate's presentation as a community from 7-8 p.m. on February 29 at Sheiko Elementary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the presentation in the Sheiko iCenter. Don Tate is an award-winning author, and the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children.
In Person Registration: https://forms.gle/SayLeCHUKwuDVfPx6
The first 50 families who register for the in-person watch event will receive a free copy of Don Tate's latest book, Jerry Changed the Game.
Please RSVP by Friday, February 23rd for the in-person watch party.
You can find more information about the National African American Read-In here: https://ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in/
Do you know a MI student who could benefit from The Laker Opportunity Center?
The Laker Opportunity Center is our New Alternative High School Program
The Laker Opportunity Center offers an alternative learning experience for those that have struggled in the traditional learning environment and need credit recovery. The Laker Opportunity Center offers students the opportunity to complete high school and graduate with a diploma. Our school leaders help select the right learning mode for each student. The program is open to all students in the State of Michigan who are 16-22 years old. Learn more on their facebook page or https://www.wbsd.org/lakeroppcenter.
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 24/7, communicating with school staff via email and video only. All students must make weekly contact with staff.
For more information please contact Morrison Borders, Principal at morrison.borders@wbsd.org
Youth Art Competition $250 Awards
As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition is integrated into the art show. This unique and one-of-a-kind program encourages students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 to enter his/her original art which is publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend under the “Youth Art” tent. There is $250 in Youth Art awards as students are exposed to and begin to learn the rules of being part of a professional art show. The program brings families to the event and exposes them to art – many of whom may not have otherwise attended. More information here.
Community Partnerships
West Bloomfield Township Public Library
Book Lists
· History in the Making: African American History (Youth)
Main Library Closed
Tuesday, February 27
The Main Library will be closed Tuesday, February 27 for Election Day. The Westacres Branch will remain open.
Winter Reading Continues
Now - Sunday, March 10
Library cardholders of all ages are encouraged to enroll in the library’s Winter Reading Program to earn incentives for time spent reading. Students under age 18 can earn up to 3 books to keep! Get started on the Beanstack app or at westbloomlib.beanstack.org.
Black History 101 Mobile Museum
Friday, February 23 from 2-7pm
Main Library Meeting Room
Experience the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, established by Dr. Khalid el-Hakim. This national award-winning mobile museum is an innovative and engaging way to explore the rich and complex history of Black Americans and their contributions to our society. The exhibits are interactive and provide an immersive experience that is both educational and inspiring. For all ages. No registration required.
Interested in working while your kids are in school? Check out: Food Service Worker - West Bloomfield School District https://careers.aramark.com/job/?req_id=487430
Do you have a newsworthy story to share? We want to share your wonderful stories 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. Here is an example that came in.