Doherty Digest

• 10/2 No School
• 10/3 Color Run Fundraiser
• 10/6 Childrens' Play Field Trip WBHS
• 10/9 5th Grade WBHS Field Trip
• 10/10 WBHS Homecoming Parade
• 10/13 Fall Picture Day (Flyer below!)
• 10/15 Late Start 11:10 AM
• 11/4 No School
• 11/12 Late Start

Dear Families,

One of the best ways we can help our students succeed is by making sure they are in school every day. Consistent attendance is directly connected to student growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. When students miss school, they miss valuable instruction, practice, and time to connect with their classmates.

We understand that students may need to stay home when they are truly ill, but even a few absences here and there can add up quickly. Did you know that missing just two days a month means a child misses nearly 20 days of learning over the school year? That’s almost a full month of school!

You can help your child by:

• Establishing a regular bedtime and morning routine
  
  

• Planning vacations and appointments outside of school hours whenever possible
  
  

• Communicating with the school if challenges are making it hard for your child to attend regularly—we are here to partner with you
  
  

Thank you for making attendance a priority. When students are present, they are learning, growing, and thriving. Together, we can ensure that every day counts!

With gratitude,

- Mr. Spitzley

Dorothy in Wonderland

Doherty students are being welcomed to the high school to enjoy this fantastical romp through the colliding worlds of The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland! Our students will be attending this play as a whole school group. Watch for permission slips this week!

Dorothy gets to the end of the yellow brick road only to be swept into another tornado with Toto, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow by her side and equipped with their new assets - brains, heart and courage - they must now find their way out of Wonderland by defeating their new foe, the Queen of Hearts, at croquet. Can Dorothy's friends and the whimsical cast of Wonderland characters bring order to this topsy turvy world and find their way home? Come find out!

Good Afternoon-

We are encouraging families to fill out the form for Education and Nutrition Benefits using the confidential Family Portal website linked here: WB Family Portal

In addition to food benefits, these applications help to secure available funding to offer additional support for reduced priced sports or activities, academic supports, ACT, SAT, college application and AP exam waivers. This information is critical in determining the amount of money our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs.

We appreciate your support in this process. Have a great weekend.

Daniel Spitzley,

Principal, Doherty Elementary

West Bloomfield Wrestling Club focuses on developing the fundamentals of folk-style wrestling, while also focusing on the discipline and mental toughness that are needed to be successful in the sport.

Ages: Kindergarten thru 8th Grade (boys and girls)
Location: West Bloomfield Middle School Multipurpose Room & Gym
Season: November thru March
Coaches: Tom DeGrand, Carlos Acosta, Mike Zimnicki, James Hitchcock, Tim Burzynski, and Greg Goidosik

Contacts: Coach DeGrand (thomas.degrand@wbsd.org) or Kevin Mcintosh (kevin.mcintosh@wbsd.org)

Registration: CLICK HERE

Club Facebook Page: Facebook

Club Website: Club Website

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.

If you don't find that your Bus Zone app is tracking as expected you need to make sure to do the following:

1. Download App
2. Create log in
3. Put in district code: 4079WBSD
4. Add Student/s
5. Create Alert Zones (very important step!)

Be sure to enable push notifications for this app to utilize the full benefit of the tracking services. Click through the user guide linked below for an excellent step by step video tutorial.

• Bell Times
• Calendar for 2025-26
• Family Portal - Online Payments
• Food for Kids (formerly Blessings in a Backpack Information)
• Kids Connect Student Care Information
• Kindergarten Information
• PowerSchool Login
• PowerSchool Account Information
• Safeline/Attendance Information

The Michigan School Aid Budget for 25-26 has not been finalized, so it's still uncertain whether the state will provide funding to offer free meals for all students.

To ensure your child's access to meals is not interrupted and to help West Bloomfield School District secure critical state and federal funding, we need ALL families to complete the Education & Nutrition Benefits Application (formerly known as the Free & Reduced Meals Application).

Complete your application today at: https://westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud/
If you need assistance or have questions about completing the form, please contact Andrea Grobe at andrea.grobe@wbsd.org

It's quick, confidential, and critical for student support and district funding.

• Your application 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, technology, and student services.
• Event if you think you may not qualify, completing the form still helps the district.

All purchases should be made from your student’s prefunded cafeteria account. Cafeteria account deposits can be made online through the Family Portal or by cash or check in the cafeteria at breakfast service only. There is no charge for online or in-person cafeteria account deposits. All change will be deposited into student accounts.

If a doctor has determined that your child has a disability, and the disability would prevent your child from eating regular school meals, the nutrition program will make substitutions prescribed by a licensed physician at no extra charge. This includes food and milk allergies. The physician’s statement, including diet and/or substitutions, must be submitted to the nutrition office so appropriate changes can be made.

When will I find out who my child's teacher will be?

Classroom placements and teacher assignments are prepared over the summer and will be shared with families approximately a week before the school year starts or sooner if finalized.

When can I see my child's classroom?

We will hold an open house for families in September, the information is included in this newsletter and will be sent home several times before school starts.

How do I find out where my bus stop is and when the bus picks up and drops off?

The transportation department routes all students eligible for bussing throughout the summer and will mail that information directly to families in mid-August. Other information about transportation is available on the WBSD Transportation website including School Of Choice Shuttle requests.

How does the school keep the building secure throughout the day?

The exterior doors and main entrance are ALWAYS locked at Doherty. All visitors must access the building by being admitted through our main office. Unscheduled visitors are not permitted and guests are accompanied at all times while in the building. We are also equipped with video surveillance and frequent patrols from the West Bloomfield Police Department.

Is the school nut-free?

The school is not nut-free but classrooms are. Any snack consumed in the classrooms must be nut-free. Parents of students with severe allergies should contact the office before school starts.

Can we send in cupcakes, or cookies or birthday cake to celebrate my child's birthday?

No. At this time our district and building policy is to not celebrate birthdays with treats, baked goods, candy or food of any kind. Elementary teachers will recognize students on their special day in special ways.

Will the students go outside for recess all year long?

All Doherty students will participate in outdoor recess when safe and weather permits. Outdoor play is important for a child's social and physical development. Parents are encouraged to acquire various weather-appropriate gear for their student to wear during recess. Students are outside for recess unless there is heavy rain, thunderstorms/lightning or the 'feels like' temperature is below 10* Fahrenheit.

How should my child dress for school daily?

Doherty students will play, use various learning materials and art mediums on a daily basis. They will also foster independence outside on the playground and in the cafeteria. Their clothing should be comfortable, weather appropriate and ok to get a little dirty sometimes. Closed toe, well fitting athletic style shoes are strongly encouraged for both safety and practicality.

Can I walk my student to their class on the first day of school?

Unfortunately, we cannot allow parents to accompany their students into the building and to their classrooms. Unscheduled visitors are not permitted for safety reasons and you can imagine what it might look like if there were nearly 500 students and their parents streaming into the building all at the same time! We will have many smiling staff members and teachers greeting students outside every day making sure they get to where they are supposed to be safely.