WBSD Weekly Update
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
2024 Calendar
February 19-20 Mid-Winter Break
February 27 - Operating Millage Renewal on Primary Ballot
March 13 - Late Start
Click here to view other important dates.
WBSD Elementary Schools Celebrate the 100th Day of School
Staff and students had fun dressing up to celebrate the 100th day of school.
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
Here is a graphic (click to enlarge) that 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.
Michigan Music Conference
Each February, WBHS band students participate in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra District 4 Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students spend several weeks rehearsing and preparing solos and/or chamber pieces. Last weekend, the students performed their selections for an adjudicator. They received constructive feedback as well as a rating. Ratings range from I (Superior) to V.
27 students from the WBHS band program participated, and 20 of those students earned Division I ratings and have qualified for the State Solo and Ensemble Festival on March 16!
In addition, two of our students performed with the Detroit Civic Youth Ensembles this weekend, an elite program run through the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Laker Wrestlers Beat Bloomfield for the District Championship! More info here.
Interested in the club sport Boys Lacross?
Join us for a:
- Parent Meeting Thursday, February 22 at 6 p.m. in room 220 at WBHS.
- Player Meeting Thursday, February 29 at 2:30 p.m. room 220 at WBHS.
Coach Jason Weimer will discuss the season and answer questions regarding player expectations, practice and game schedule. All are invited to attend meeting regardless of player experience. Come check out the “fastest sport on two legs”. If unable to attend, Click on the link: https://forms.gle/GD1NwBkzhcdEcdMD8
Contact Coach Weimer: Laxcoachweimer@gmail.com
To play in the Spring, players need to sign up on the WB athletics website through FinalForms. Your player's physical must be turned in to the school athletics office. If your player has a physical on file from another sport please let the athletics office know you need a copy for lacrosse.
Lacrosse is a club sport. Player fees are not covered by the school. Fees are reduced for new players and returning players also have fees reduced from last year. Team sponsorships may be used to cover fees. Additional discounts are available for paying by March 1st.
MI Week nominations due THIS Friday!
2024 African American Read-In: Featuring Author Don Tate
Thursday, Feb. 29
In-person at OSTC-NE 5-8 p.m. / via Zoom 7-8 p.m.
In Person Registration: https://bit.ly/2024-read-in-ws
Virtual Registration: bit.ly/2024-read-in
The first 500 registered receive a free book!
Don Tate is an award-winning author, and the illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children.
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
Schools of Choice Window Closes TODAY
Forward Along To An Interested Family
All West Bloomfield School District Schools of Choice openings will be criteria-based through our STEAM program. We have limited openings in the following grade levels:
- Elementary: K-5
- Middle School: 6th grade
- High School: 9-10th grade
The window is open January 16th - February 14th, apply here!
Interested families can visit wbsd.org to learn more about Schools of Choice. When visiting the site, go to the “Parent” tab and then select Schools of Choice. This document provides all of the key elements. Families should email the following address if they have questions they want answered about Schools of Choice or to submit any required materials for the SoC application: soc@wbsd.org
Do you know someone under 18 with an idea they’d like to grow?
A partnership between #OaklandCounty and Leadership Oakland young minds are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $1,000 to pursue their passions and talents. The first round of applications is now open through March 15. APPLY TODAY: acorn2oakgrant.com.
Community Partnerships
West Bloomfield Educational Foundation
Thank you to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation for providing $33,000 in teacher grants. Teachers have purchased books, supplies, and equipments to enhance student development and learning. Thank you WBEF!
WBSD Community Education
Mid-Winter Break Basketball Camp, for more info use this link.
To view Community Education programming, use this link.
West Bloomfield Township Public Library
Book Lists
· Friends in Our World: African American Friends (Youth)
· History in the Making: Civil Rights History (Youth)
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.
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.
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.