WBSD Update

December 10, 2021

WB Families,

We understand that this has been an EXTREMELY difficult time for all of you. Stress levels and emotions are high right now. We feel it. Please know that we are doing everything we can to lessen this burden.

We encourage you to take some time to reconnect with your child(ren) this weekend. See how they are doing and feeling. Take some time to disconnect from social media and the news, and do a few things that bring you joy. Do something that brings laughter into your home. Please know that we are here to support you and your child(ren) every step of the way.

Together, we will get through this.

We thank you for the support, strength, and perseverance that you have shown.

We are #WBstrong.

We believe that the West Bloomfield School District is safe, but no community is immune from the threats of violence and drugs that endanger students and schools in Michigan. To address those concerns and to prepare your students for his or her part in staying safe. OK2SAY is a student safety initiative available to Michigan students in grades K−12 that enables students to confidentially report potential harm or criminal activities aimed at students, teachers, staff, or other school employees.

The nationally recognized program is run through the Michigan State Police, state agencies, schools, local law enforcement, and community mental health. Tips can be submitted 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week.

• Telephone: 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729)
• Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
• Email: ok2say@mi.gov
• Website: ok2say.com
• OK2SAY Mobile app: Available in the Apple Store or Google Play.

OK2SAY tips have helped thousands of students and saved many lives because students are stepping up and speaking out when they are concerned about a friend or peer. There are 31 tip categories to choose from when submitting a confidential tip. Most tips were related to bullying, cyberbullying, self-harm, anxiety, stress and depression, and suicide. Other top tips include drug/alcohol use, weapon possession, or assault.

Upon receipt of a tip, specially trained OK2SAY technicians address the immediate need and forward the information to the appropriate responding law enforcement agency or organization. Tips go to schools, local law enforcement agencies, community mental health agencies, or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Congratulations WBSD 3rd & 4th Grade FIRST Lego League Robotics Teams

The WB Deca Dragons earned 1st Place for The Innovative Project & are advancing to the State Championship Competition at Mason High School on Sunday, Dec. 19.

Congratulations to GS Troop 76057 the Cargo Girls Dream Team. They won the 2nd Place Champions Award and will also be going to the State Competition!

Eastern Michigan University Honor Band

Five WBHS Band students participated in the Eastern Michigan University Honor Band. Congratulations to the following students: Kylie Harmala: Clarinet, Sofia Kamoo: Clarinet,

Shiho Kashiwagi-Wood: Flute, Lauren Pratt: Alto Saxophone, Natalie Weissman: Trombone

Watch a clip from the performance below:

https://youtu.be/cr4hOsKwoLE

WBHS Football Players Pay Respect

Below is a portion of a letter shared with WB from Lynch & Sons Funeral home. "I wanted to write you to say how impressed I was by your Varsity Football Team Captains tonight. They came from outside the Oxford community dressed as a unit, proudly wearing their green and white West Bloomfield colors, and they waited patiently in line for almost an hour to greet Tate’s Myre's parents to pay their respects to Tate and his family. In talking with them, they were polite and beyond respectful. They had a presence that stood out by the way they carried themselves as individuals who are part of something bigger. In short, they represented their team, their school and even more importantly, their community in an exemplary way."

Keeping Metro-Detroit Warm

Thank you to all the staff for supporting our partnership with Tapper's Annual Coat Drive. WBSD collected eight bags of coats during the month of November.

Photo:
Kids Klub Lead - Vera Hairston and students sharing the warmth!

Professional Apprenticeship Internship Class

Are you a current 10th or 11th grader? Do you want to INTERN with a professional outside of school in your field of interest during 6th or 7th hour? If you answered yes, then the...Professional Apprenticeship Internship Class is for YOU!

Volunteer Internship Possibilities Include: