March 25-29 Spring Break
April 3 - Late Start

April 24 - Late Start
For a full calendar, use this link: https://www.wbsd.org/calendar

West Bloomfield Elementary Families,

By now, you should have received your child’s final elementary placement for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, this placement letter was also sent home with students in their backpacks. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s current office staff if you have questions about your child’s placement. We are here to support you with this process. The purpose of this communication is to highlight student & family transition plans, as well as provide reminders about the STEAM programming that will occur at each building.

Redistricting Transition Activities and Events

• Welcoming Parents/Guardians/Caregivers to a New Elementary Building
• Doherty and Sheiko - April 9
• Gretchko and Scotch - April 11
• Students Meet the Principal
• Doherty and Sheiko - April 4
• Gretchko, Roosevelt and Scotch - April 5
• Student Mingle Field Trip
• Rising K/1st Grade - April 26
• Rising 2nd/3rd Grades - May 10
• Rising 4th/5th grades - May 14th
• Preparing all Families for Launch
• At Doherty and Sheiko - May 8
• At Gretchko and Scotch - May 16
• Popsicles with the Principal for Families (dates in August TBD)
  
  

STEAM Information

STEAM programming & experiences will be available to residents & School of Choice (SoC) students. Students that meet STEAM criteria will still attend regular K-5 classes and specials with their classmates. The difference: they will have access to additional learning experiences during the school day, outside of core academic content.

Eligibility is determined as follows:

• Current Students - all current students are in the application pool. NWEA testing will be used to determine who meets criteria. No extra testing is needed. Notification of students that meet criteria will be provided in March.

• Incoming Kindergarten Residents - Kindergarten Readiness/STEAM Assessment will be used to determine who meets criteria.

• Incoming School of Choice Students - SoC STEAM assessment (Kindergarten Readiness/STEAM Assessment OR 1st-5th NWEA) will be used to determine who meets criteria.

• All current STEAM students (Roosevelt) are eligible.

TO VIEW THE LETTER THAT CONTAINS DATES AND MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

We'd love your input. Please share ideas in this Transition Activity Ideas form.

Check out the newsletter for events, opportunities, and more! From Sonja James,

WBSD Executive Director of Educational Equity and Inclusion

There are over 60 languages represented in the West Bloomfield School District with the ELD program serving approximately 400 students and their families. WBSD hosted two Multilingual Family Nights last week to discuss resources, technology tips, and ways to connect with the community. For more information, visit: https://www.wbsd.org/academics/english-learner-program

The WBMS robotics group has been hard at work building and decorating projects for Robofest (RoboParade, as well as working to improve our existing FIRST Tech Challenge robots). This May, they plan to attend the Robofest World Championship, and at least 1 spring FTC event.

The WBHS Atomigators (team 4737) attended their first event of the season March 7-9 in Belleville. They learned a lot about their robot and are now back in the workshop preparing for their next event in Livonia (March 22-24).

On March 7, the jazz band had the pleasure of hearing the Wayne State University Big Band. Performing was WBHS alum and WSU Jazz Studies Major, Alexander Pranis!

On March 8, the Wind Ensemble performed in the MSBOA District 4 Band and Orchestra Festival. The students performed well, and we earned a Division I (Superior) rating!!

The students and families are privilege to work with. We look forward to more great memories to come. Go Lakers!

Want some great cross training for Football, Hockey, Basketball and Soccer? WBHS Boys Lacrosse is looking for a few more new players!! No experience needed. We will teach you how to play!! If you are not sure, come check out the fastest sport on 2 legs. Team practice M-F at 5:15pm WBHS Athletic Field.

West Bloomfield Varsity High School Figure Skating “A Team” takes home Bronze at States! “A Team” is the highest level at which you can compete. We have the smallest team out of all 12 teams that competed. We’re also one of the only teams that are not “united” (multiple schools joined together.) Way to go Emma and JC!!!! Go Lakers!!!

Laker Opportunity Center offers an alternative learning experience for those that have struggled in the traditional learning environment and need credit recovery. 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

Book Lists

· PI Day, 3.14 (Youth)

· Women’s History (Youth)

· Inspiring Women (Teen)

Read to a Dog

Wednesday, March 20 from 6-7pm

Main Library Youth Activity Center

What happens when you bring children, dogs and books together? You get happy, confident children who love to read. Trainers with their well-behaved, certified therapy dogs will be on hand so elementary students can practice independent reading skills while reading to a friendly canine companion. For grades K-5. No registration required.

SUMMER CAMP

Location: Doherty Elementary School
5 weeks
July 1 - August 2, 2024
Registration Opens the week of March 18

If you need to make Summer Plans as soon as possible check out these camps:

West Bloomfield Parks and Rec

The Sports Club of West Bloomfield

Farmington Hills Community Center-The Hawk

WBSD earned a silver award from the National School Boards Association for West Bloomfield Middle School Grades New School Design for Safety, Collaboration, and Innovation. For the full news article, click here.

Mr. Pace surprised the little ones as a mystery reader. Non stop laughter and smiles! #Marchisreadingmonth ⁦

• WBSD Employment Opportunities
• GWB Historical Society Events
• Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition
• West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation