Words from West
APRIL - MAY 2023
A Message from Ms. Balbaugh
Dear Middle School families,
As we move into the spring season, we wanted to remind you of some important upcoming events and dates. A few of these include the standardized testing that is well underway and our Emergency Active Shooter/Reunification Drill.
Standardized testing is an important tool that helps us assess the academic progress of our students, and identify areas where they may need additional support. We encourage all students to take these tests seriously and to do their best!
Sixth and seventh graders have completed their ELA test, and eighth grade students have finished their Science assessment. On May 2nd and 3rd we will resume building-wide testing for Math and Social Studies. Testing begins at 8:05am and ends at 9:30am. Please assist us with getting your student here and on-time, especially on testing days.
To help your child prepare for their tests, we recommend encouraging them to get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school with a fully charged Chromebook.
We also want to remind you that in our district’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety and security, local law enforcement will run an active shooter and emergency reunification drill at Grand Blanc West Middle School on Friday, April 28th. This is a remote half-day for students and a professional development afternoon for staff.
We need middle and high school student volunteers to participate in this drill. Students participating must have a parent/guardian present for the duration. Participants will need to be at WMS by 11:30 AM and should expect to be done around 3 PM. Please click here to register to participate. [https://forms.gle/dZPpp7WpcGUVwiFY6]. We are only taking the first 40 people to sign up.
Thank you for your partnering with us as we begin to wrap up the last few weeks of the school year.
Best regards,
Diana Balbaugh, Principal
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES
April 22 - Earth Day
April 24 - 7pm - Board of Education Meeting
April 26 - Administrative Professionals' Day
April 28 - Remote Learning Day (1/2 Day)
April 28 - Emergency Drill - Participation Needed (11:30p-3p):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TpQNImYbbwZIsHCYZaD8vHymYaEb_22qQd0XCxJPc0w/edit?usp=sharing
May 2nd & 3rd - Grades 6-8, MSTEP Testing (8:05a - 9:30a)
May 8th - 6pm - Board of Education - Workshop
May 8th - 12th - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week - $10 Gift Card Donations to Main Office
May 12th - 8th Grade Dance
May 14th - Happy Mother's Day
May 16th - 6pm - PTO Meeting, WMS Library
May 16th - "Evening of the Arts" - Black History Night, Art Show, 6/7/8 Grade Band Concert
May 22nd - 7pm - Board of Education Meeting
May 29th - Memorial Day - No School
REMOTE LEARNING DAYS SCHEDULE
- 1st Hour - 8:00a - 8:35a (35)
- 2nd Hour - 8:35a - 9:05a (30)
- 3rd Hour - 9:05a - 9:45a (40)
- 4th Hour - 9:45a - 10:15a (30)
- 5th Hour - 10:15a - 10:45a (30)
- 6th Hour - 10:45a - 11:15a (30)
REQUEST FOR TEAMS
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
- Crisis and Urgent Care Services
- Addiction Recovery
- Behavioral Health Urgent Care
- Emerging Drug Trends
- Medicaid
DEI Library for STAFF at WMS
We are creating a DEI library here at West Middle School. It will be a place where teachers can find resources and materials to help best support our students. We want to host a book drive in hopes of getting some starter materials for our shelves.
We need books that support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These books can be children picture books, teacher resource books, chapter books, posters, etc. The district will approve the books donated and then we will put them on our shelves in the TEACHERS VERY OWN DEI LIBRARY. This library will be in the big staff lounge by the music room. Thank you for all of your support!
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION - 7th GRADE STUDENTS
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The Grand Blanc Board of Education provides a program of instruction in Human Growth and Development. As a component of the Human Growth and Development program, HIV, AIDS, and other serious communicable disease prevention, as well as sex education, will be taught in your 7th-grade student’s science class this spring.
By law, you have the right to excuse your child from the program if you choose. We have included an outline of the topics covered during this program. If you would like to review any of the curriculum, please submit a formal request to the office and come in to view the content at school.
Please review the information on the back of this document. If you do not want your child to participate you need to:
Return this Yearly Opt-Out Form to your child’s science teacher on or before May 12, 2023
OR
Email Mrs. Wolschleger at jwolschle@gbcs.org
If the Yearly Opt-Out Form is not returned by 5/12/22, your child will be included in the sex education unit.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at 591-7309.
Sincerely,
Diana Balbaugh, Principal
Grand Blanc West Middle School
M-STEP AND MI-ACCESS STATE TESTING
April 18th & 19th
May 2nd & 3rd
All students will be taking the M-STEP or MI-Access test. Below is the schedule and some tips to ensure a successful testing week:
M-STEP Testing Day Class Schedule:
1st hour: 9:34a - 10:16a
2nd hour: 10:20a - 11:02a
3rd hour: 11:06a - 11:48a
4th hour: 11:52a - 1:29p ***Lunch Schedule Below
5th hour: 1:33p - 2:15p
6th hour: 2:19p - 3:02p
***Lunch Rotation:
A - 11:54a - 12:24p
B - 12:10p - 12:40p
C - 12:27p - 12:57p
D - 12:43p - 1:13p
E - 12:59p - 1:29p
Below are some tips to help ensure successful testing:
· Get a good night's rest
· Arrive to school on-time
· Eat a good breakfast
· Students will need their CHARGED Chromebook and Charger for each day of testing
· Students will need a set of wired headphones and a book to read after test completion
· Relax and do your best!
There will be several days for make-up testing if needed. Please contact your student's counselor if you have questions or concerns.
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Thank You,
GB West Middle School - PTO
$10.00 GIFT CARDS TO ANYWHERE
WE WOULD LIKE TO COLLECT ENOUGH FOR EACH STAFF MEMBER TO RECEIVE ONE!
DROP OFF IN THE FRONT OFFICE UNTIL APRIL 28th
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, May 16th at 6:00pm), or send an email to let us know how you would like to be involved.
Don Chapin, PTO President
MICHIGAN STUDENT VOICE PARENT LETTER
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
Our district will be taking part in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey on April 25, 2023.
The survey will be administered to students in grades 5, 8, & 11 and is designed to provide a holistic picture of student experience beyond test scores. Topics covered include perceptions of students’ engagement, belonging and social-emotional learning. Survey data will be used by school administrators to help guide district improvement planning for school instruction and services. Students are our first priority and we believe it’s important to listen to them to help make the educational experience better.
The survey does not ask questions regarding drug or alcohol use, intimate relationships, political or religious affiliations or other personal information.
Students will be asked to complete the survey online using a computer, tablet or mobile device. The anonymous survey is designed to protect students' privacy. The survey has under 40 questions and is expected to take 10 minutes or less to complete.
We encourage all students to take part in the survey, as we hope to gather a lot of important information on their experiences. Participation is voluntary. Students may skip any question they do not wish to answer. Students may stop participating in the survey at any point without penalty.
If you want to opt out of having your child participate in the survey, please complete the form below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at dbalbaug@gbcs.org.
Sincerely,
Diana Balbaugh
EVERYONE MUST COMPLETE THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR 2023-2024
The 2023-24 online registration for Grand Blanc Schools is now available. ALL Parents are required to complete the annual online registration through your ParentVUE account prior to picking up schedules in August.
Please click here for “Online Registration”.
Below is a brief summary of login instructions:
If you have a ParentVUE (or are unsure):
· DO NOT create a new account if you may already have an account because the new account will not allow you to view your student’s information.
· If you have a ParentVUE account but do not remember your login, please call (810) 591-7335 and a staff member will be able to provide your username.
· If you know your username but have forgotten your ParentVUE password, you can click the “More Options” button below the login, then click “Forgot Password,” and the system will step you through resetting your password.
If you have never activated a ParentVUE account for any of your children:
· Please call (810) 591-7335 to receive an activation key
· Once you have an activation key, go to the site above and scroll down to follow the instructions to create a new ParentVUE account.
Once you login to ParentVUE:
1. Please verify that you are on the Current/Returning Student tab for 2023-2024 (do not create a new enrollment unless your student is new to the district).
2. Scroll through each screen to review and update all information on your student(s).
3. Electronically sign required forms.
4. Review all information then click SUBMIT at the bottom.
Please call if you do not have access to a computer or have any questions about registration.
DISTRICT OF CHOICE
All applications must be completed and submitted electronically to GRAND BLANC COMMUNITY SCHOOLS by 4:00 p.m July 15, 2023 with previous two years of behavior to be considered complete.
DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS
With the weather warming up we wanted to remind our families of our WMS dress code expectations. Please make sure your student is coming to school with the proper attire.
According to pages 9 and 10 of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, “Every student shall maintain a reasonable standard of dress which is appropriate for the role of the student, reflective of the age level, and conducive to a wholesome climate for learning. Dress and grooming which distracts from or disrupts the educational process is prohibited.” An environment that is conducive to learning must be maintained at all times.
Below are some “common sense” clothing guidelines for Grand Blanc West Middle School. Students in violation of the dress code are not allowed to remain in the classroom and must phone home for new apparel.
Tank tops straps must be at least three finger-widths wide
The hem of skirts and shorts should be of an appropriate length for a professional, academic setting
Pants with large rips/tears/holes near the upper thigh are not permitted
Pants must be secured so that no undergarments are visible
No exposed midriffs will be tolerated, shirts must cover the midriff on all sides when a student’s arms are down
Clothing that is deemed “revealing” will not be allowed, all clothing must conceal undergarments
Pajamas and slippers are not to be worn
Clothing must not contain any offensive language or subject matter
Hats, caps, visors, hoods, bandannas, and sunglasses are not to be worn in the classroom or building while school is in session (unless approved by the building Principal or designee)
All students wearing any article of clothing that is deemed inappropriate, offensive, or a distraction to the educational environment by a staff member, will be required to change clothes to meet dress code expectations
IMMUNIZATIONS
According to Michigan law, all students must be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases or have a current year immunization waiver to attend Grand Blanc West Middle School. Your student’s health care provider and/or the Genesee County Health Department can provide the required Immunizations or waivers.
If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Smith at 591-7335.
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
If you would like to learn more about autism and inclusion, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-month
AFTER SCHOOL SUPPORT - TUTORING
WHERE - WMS Library
YEARBOOK
WE NEED YOU - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We are in need of employees to fully staff our building in the areas of Paraprofessional, 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.
- Paraprofessional Support - 7:50 a.m. - 3:15 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!
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!
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
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