WBHS Update

Hello Laker Nation,

Please note, there is NO SCHOOL on Thursday, 10/2 in observance of Yom Kippur.

Wednesday, 10/1 is COUNT DAY! It is essential that all students are in school, on time, all day as student funding is tied to attendance on this day. If a student must be absent due to illness, please be sure to call the safeline and excuse the absence beforehand, or within 24 hours.

HOMECOMING IS NEXT WEEK!!!

• Pay attention to communication this week to learn all about WBHS Homecoming
• Spirit week from 10/6-10/10 AND 10/13
• Homecoming parade and football game on Friday, 10/10
• Homecoming dance on Saturday, 10/11
• Stay tuned for a full guide to Homecoming!

A major focus area for us this year is student attendance. Right now, we are working hard on making sure our students are in class, on time, every class period, every day. The past couple of weeks we have conducted several hall sweeps, where we close all doors when the class period begins, and send all tardy students to the iCenter. We will continue these hall sweeps periodically to make sure we are staying on track. The first time a student is caught is just a warning/reminder. If they're caught again, however, a detention will be issued. Keep up the good work, Lakers!

Daily, on time student attendance is ESSENTIAL for student success! If a student is just 10 minutes late to school every day, they will have missed 30 hours of learning in just one school year! Additionally, if a student misses just two days per month, it equates to 10% of the entire school year! There is a direct correlation between regular attendance and student success and achievement. We have a goal of 95% average daily attendance for our students. Please help us reach that goal and help make sure your child(ren) have the best chance at reaching their incredible potential!

Please take a look at a few tips for success in the first few weeks of school.

1. School begins at 7:30 AM. Please plan to arrive in the parking lot by 7:10 AM as new student drivers, increased traffic, and local construction may delay arrivals.
2. Schedules are available on PowerSchool. If students need assistance, they can stop by any office or see any administrator or security staff member for help.
3. Students should bring their Chromebooks every day. If a student doesn't have a Chromebook, they will need to submit a Tech Ticket HERE or visit the iCenter for help submitting the ticket.
4. School ends at 2:23 PM. Students must be in their after school activity or out of the school building by 2:45 PM every day!

Proud to be a Laker,

Eric Pace
Principal, WBHS

September 23 - No School
October 1 - Count Day
October 2 - No School
October 15 - Late Start (TWO hours after regular start time)

Full Calendar Here

More Than School Meals! Complete the Application for District Funding & Student Support

Because the State of Michigan has not passed a school budget, the program that provides free breakfast and lunch for all students is at risk.

• If a budget agreement is not reached, state funding will end on September 30, 2025.
• Beginning October 1, 2025, families who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals will need to pay for meals.

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

• Complete the application today by using this link!
• If needed, add funds to your Meal Magic Account

WHY IT MATTERS

• It helps ensure we can continue to provide nutritious meals to all students.
• Funding tied to our free/reduced rate supports far more than meals; it impacts academic programs, athletic programs, technology, and student services.
• Even if you think you may not qualify, completing the application still helps the district.

If you need assistance or have questions about completing the form, contact andrea.grobe@wbsd.org

To prepare for the possible end of school breakfast and lunch funding from the state, we are reaching out to encourage parents to start the process of loading funds to your student/s Meal Magic Family Portal Accounts so they can continue to eat breakfast and or lunch at school starting October 1st.

Meal Magic Account

Families who have not qualified for free breakfast and lunch benefits will need to have funds on their student account in order to enjoy a school breakfast or lunch choice.

• To create an account, be prepared to provide your student’s first and last name, as well as student ID number available in Powerschool. https://westbloomfield.powerschool.com/

If you have forgotten to fill out the nutrition benefits application, you can do so by clicking here: https://westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud/ and selecting the button labeled Apply for Benefits.

For additional assistance or questions, reach out to Andrea.Grobe@wbsd.org

New for the 25-26 School Year!

WBHS Personal Communication Device(s) Expectations:

At West Bloomfield High School, we are committed to fostering an environment that prioritizes student learning, engagement, and personal growth. ALL students are expected to use the district provided Chromebooks as their primary instructional tool in the classrooms. We believe that focused, active participation in the classroom is essential for academic success and the development of critical thinking skills. Personal communication devices, such as cell phones, can be a significant distraction and take away from these core values. Therefore, our expectation is that student personal communication devices are not seen, heard, or used during instructional time, allowing all students to remain fully present and engaged in their learning.

WBHS Administration

• Personal communication devices are not seen, heard, or used during instruction. This includes, but is not limited to AI/Meta Glasses, phones, tablets, personal computers, smart watches, airpods, headphones, etc.

• Teachers may ask students to place phones or other devices in numbered pouches on the walls or in bins on student tables during instruction. If a student does not put their phone in the designated area, it is assumed that the student does not have a device on them. If a student then engages in usage of a device, the student may be subject to disciplinary action.

• Student personal communication devices should be in the room and accessible to the student at all times if needed.

• Failure to comply with these expectations may result in disciplinary action

This does not mean that personal devices are banned, however all school work that is done in school will be done on district-issued Chromebooks. We do expect that ALL personal devices are put away and silenced during instruction. We are looking forward to a great school year and will see you all soon!

Laker Nation,

Fall testing season is approaching. Please keep in mind that all 11th grade students will be participating in the School Day Administration of the PSAT/NMSQT test. Please click the PSAT/NMSQT informational Letter for more information about this testing cycle. Here is a quick synopsis of information from that letter:

PSAT/NMSQT Test Day:

• Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
• Location: WBHS Gym Aux Gym
• Arrival Time: 7:30 a.m.
• Test Start Time: 8:00 a.m.

***Once the test concludes, students will be dismissed to return to class. This will be a FULL day of school. Students will be excused from classes that are missed due to testing.

***Please note, students with testing accommodations will have a different testing location. Our SSD Coordinator, Renee Samuels, will send that information individually via email.

Additionally, in preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT test, we have included a PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide for your scholar. This is a tool that can help your scholar prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT test administration. Please review this communication with your scholar.

Sinking Fund Goals

• Keep dollars in the classroom by using Sinking Fund proceeds for building upkeep and technology
• Continue to provide safe, secure, and healthy school environments for our children
• Protect the community’s investment in the School District’s buildings and sites
• Provide consistent funding source for instructional technology across all buildings
• Keep West Bloomfield’s taxpayer dollars in West Bloomfield

Vote on OR BEFORE November 4th, 2025

On November 4, 2025 voters will be asked to consider replacing the current Sinking Fund millage, which is estimated to remain at the current 1.1552 mill levy, and extend the levy from 2027 to 2036. This levy provides approximately $3.2 million annually to fund:

• Facility and infrastructure improvements
• Safety and security measures
• Technology devices and infrastructure

For more information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

It is the mission of the West Bloomfield School District Educational Foundation to generate and distribute financial and other resources to and for the West Bloomfield School District for enrichment programs and other projects aimed at enhancing the quality of learning and educational opportunities for students and teachers in the school district. The foundation will carry out its mission by focusing its support in the following areas:

• Strengthen the curriculum by serving as a catalyst for the development and promotion of innovative programs.
• Support additional training for faculty members and enhance educational resources available to them.
• Encourage school and community partnerships by promoting community awareness about the school district’s programs, provide ways for individuals and organizations to share resources with the school district to enhance learning, and facilitate cooperative ventures among the foundation, community groups and the school district.

2025-2026

Calendar
Bell Times
Marking Periods
Athletic Calendar

In order to update student records and have the most current health information, please fill out the Health Alert form and send with your student to Jumpstart. These forms must be filled out every year.

If your child takes medication during the school day, even if it is over the counter, a Medication Permission form is required to be signed and turned into the Counseling office by the first day of school. We have a med tech on staff to assist your student if needed.

Even if your student self-carries the medication, we require that you please submit the permission form. A link to the form can be accessed here.

On Wednesday, 9/24 the West Bloomfield Girls Swim and Dive team snuck out the win against Bloomfield Hills in a close, back and forth, dual that came down to the last race of the night. West Bloomfield beat Bloomfield Hills 96-90. Both teams swam outstandingly, and the energy was incredible that helped push these girls to hit new personal and seasonal bests.

Top 12 Performances based on NISCA Powerpoints

1. Elizabeth Eichbrecht 500 Free 4:52.86

2. Elizabeth Eichbrecht 200 Free 1:50.54

3. Bryn Cusack 100 Free 55.72

4. Piper Smith 50 Free 25.92

5. Lucy Harmala Diving 191.55 points

6. Lainey Sawarynski Diving 157.05 points

7. Bryn Cusack 50 Back 28.32

8. Keira Pratt 100 Free 56.83

9. Bryn Cusack 50 Free 26.26

10 Piper Smith 100 Breast 1:12.25

11. Adriana Nunez 50 Free 26.76

12. Bryn Cusack 100 Back 1:04.05

Personal Bests

1. Persia Arghavani 50 Free 37.50

2. Ellison Mack 100 Free 1:09.02

3. Alyssa Mientkiewicz 100 Free 1:067.74

4. Bella Uzilov 100 Free 1:48.24

5. Adriana Nunez 100 Fly 1:07.12

6. Grace McDowell 200 IM 2:31.61

7. Persia Arghavani 100 Breast 1:40.52

8. Winnie Washington 100 Breast 1:35.68

9. Alyssa Mientkiewicz 200 Free 2:23.75

10. Amelie Craig 500 Free 6:06.05

11. Mia Lake 100 Free 1:01.32

12. Kara Zoladz 100 Free 1:10.32

Season Bests

1. Piper Smith 50 Free 25.92

2. Bryn Cusack 100 Free 55.72

3. Keira Pratt 100 Free 56.83

4. Keira Pratt 100 Back 1:04.36

5. Bryn Cusack 50 Free 26.26

Go Lakers!!!!

Check out www.westbloomfieldathletics.com for all WBHS Athletics Updates

West Bloomfield High School will continue to offer parking privileges to eligible 11th and 12th-grade students that purchase and properly display a WBHS parking permit. Criteria for obtaining and maintaining a parking permit can be found on the link below. Students may only park in the main and south lots, NOT in the north lot (by the stadium), which is reserved for staff parking.

Seniors and juniors can purchase their parking pass at Jump Start, provided they bring the permit fee- $100 payment (cash or check payable to West Bloomfield Schools), and evidence of a driver's license and vehicle registration. Parking permits are to be fully adhered to the bottom left-hand side of the windshield of the vehicle for which it was purchased. If a family would like to register additional vehicles, they need to complete the application and provide a $5.00 payment for each.

Additional information here

Parking Permit Application

Pre-ordering of your yearbook can be done by:

• visiting yearbookordercenter.com and using code 17673

• OR by printing and completing this order form and mailing a check (made out to WBHS Yearbook) to:

WBHS YEARBOOK, ATTENTION:Tarah Ehlert

4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323

Yearbooks will cost $70 through Jumpstart (Wednesday, August 20).

Starting Thursday, August 21st, the price will increase to $80 throughout the remainder of pre-ordering, which will end on March 6, 2026.

Parents of WBSD students can apply to receive six non-perishable meals each Friday of the school year. The goal of Fueling Kids' Futures is to make sure no child goes hungry on the weekend. Run by volunteers, there is NO cost to the families. For the application, click here. Any student enrolled in the program for the 24/25 school year will automatically be enrolled for the 25/26 school year and does not have to fill out an application.

Save the Date: the major fundraiser for Fueling Kids' Futures is Trivia Night Friday, November 7, 2025.

WBSD has partnered with Parent Guidance.org to give parents free access to resources and helpful information. We have shared this information with our families. We hope that it will be useful for some of you as well!

ParentGuidance.org is an online service by licensed therapists that provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their children and get answers to mental health questions.

For all updates related to college, careers, counseling, scholarships, college rep visits, and more, make sure to check out the Counselor Connection Newsletter.