Friday, July 30, 2010
Talk Sup't. July 30, 2010
NEW APPOINTMENTS AND A FOND FAREWELL
Today we bid a fond farewell to Dr. Kendra Hearn, our Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, who is embarking on a new phase of her life. Kendra will be Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Education and will coordinate their Teach for America (TFA) Detroit certification program. In May, the U of M School of Education was chosen by TFA as their higher education partner for their new region in Detroit. Dr. Hearn will oversee the development and implementation of SOE’s certification program for TFA-Detroit.
We want to thank her for her ten years of service to the WBSD. She has left her imprint on our district and the many children who have benefited from her initiatives.
We also welcome Dr. Robert Martin who will become our new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. More information on Dr. Martin will follow his approval from the Board of Education on Monday morning.
We also welcome Roderick MacNeal, Jr. who will be the new Principal at Ealy Elementary. Mr. MacNeal comes to us from the Southfield Public School District where he was most recently Assistant Principal of Levey Middle School. We welcome him to our district.
Mara Hoffert will become Assistant Principal at West Bloomfield High School assuming the role that was held by Jackie Laymac. Mara has been teacher, leader, coach and mentor and is now looking forward to using her talents in an administrative capacity. She has worked on many initiatives including the Diversity Committee, AVID, curriculum development and United We Walk. Mara also implemented the school-wide mentor program helping to enhance the achievement and transition of all 9th graders who enter the high school. We expect that Mara will be a perfect fit in her new role.
Jennifer Newman will be Assistant Principal at Abbott Middle School filling the place of Jim Scrivo, who is now Principal at Scotch. Jennifer has been teaching math at West Bloomfield High School since 1999, and has also been a committee member of the District Continuous School Improvement Team. She was selected to take part in the Galileo Leadership Consortium and also earned an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership. We look forward to her leadership in her new capacity at Abbott.
OPERATION BACKPACK
This weekend I encourage all who can to stop by in the parking lot of Plum Market at Orchard Lake Road and Maple, where you will see one of our West Bloomfield School District buses which is being stuffed with school supplies through the generosity of 96.3 WDVD Radio and many other sponsors.
Many children will not have the proper tools to start school. West Bloomfield School District has joined 96.3 WDVD & FOX 2 Detroit in teaming up with Volunteers of America-Michigan for Blaine & Allyson’s Operation Backpack!
You can help by bringing new school supplies to the Operation Backpack donation collection location in the parking lot of Plum Market at Maple and Orchard Lake Road.
Pepsi Refresh Project will match up to $3,000 worth of school supplies.
Friday, July 30th – Sunday, August 1st
Friday 6a-7p
Saturday 9a-7p
Sunday 9a-7p
The Detroit Pistons, Pepsi, Rochester College, Plum Market Co-Op Services Credit Union and Volunteers of America are all helping to sponsor this worthwhile event and we are proud to be a part of it. Please join us in helping to STUFF OUR BUS!
All details online in the Events Section of 963WDVD.com.
ATHLETICS
Teams have already begun conditioning for soccer, football, tennis, volleyball, cheerleading, swimming and girls golf. For information on sports, contact Athletic Director Pat Watson at watsonp@westbloomfield.k12.mi.us. Also, you can find out more regarding tryouts and schedules on our website at http://www.myschoolpages.com/schools/westbloomfieldsd/about.cfm?subpage=589926
then click on any one of the Quicklinks on the left side.
MUSIC
There’s music in my ears when I see the WBHS Marching Band practicing in the parking lot, and that’s also a good indication that fall is just around the corner. The Marching Band is holding a Red Cross Blood Drive from 2:00 – 8:00 pm on August 13 in the WBHS Media Center, so please stop by and donate if you can.
Abbott Middle School is still looking for instruments that they are in dire need of. If you are cleaning out your closets this summer, please keep Abbott in mind as you run into ANY instrument that you are no longer using. Instruments can be dropped off at any one of our school offices. We thank you for your donations.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Talk Sup't. July 23, 2010
"The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity.
In a crisis, be aware of the danger - but recognize the opportunity."
- John F. Kennedy
We have had our share of crises, but we move forward with great optimism. As many of our colleagues have taken the opportunity created from the state to retire early from their positions with West Bloomfield schools, new faces and changes abound with renewed energy in West Bloomfield School District. Now we are seeing enthusiasm and excitement. Every building is hiring and we are getting outstanding, experienced staff who are pleased and eager to come and work in West Bloomfield.
Athletics
The new Athletic Program will begin the first week in August. Useful information about the start of the sporting seasons can be found on the high school website. Go to www.wbsd.org, click on schools to locate WBHS, and there you can click on the Athletics link with the anchor logo.
In addition, you can access all West Bloomfield sports schedules by logging onto www.highschoolsports.net, select the state (Michigan) and the drop down will reveal West Bloomfield High School. Complete seasons schedules will be available as well as the current day’s schedule at the top of the screen.
Jump Start
At Jump Start, students get their schedules, books, all student I.D. pictures taken, 9-11 school pictures taken and they can order and pay for pictures, order yearbooks, student directories, buy Laker Fan Club athletic passes, and Seniors can obtain their parking passes.
Volunteers are needed for Jump Start which runs from:
August 24 for Seniors
August 25 for Juniors
August 26 for Sophomores and
August 27 for Freshmen
Make-up Day on Monday, August 30
7:30 am – 10 am, and 11:30 am – 1:00pm
Atrium of WBHS
Please contact Karen Sorgen at 248-865-6770 to volunteer. This is a good way to get involved and become familiar with what your students will experience during their next year at the high school.
Oakland Opportunity Academy
I am very excited about our newly developed Oakland Opportunity Academy, a new opportunity for West Bloomfield School District students to prepare themselves for a successful future in a competitive, global marketplace.
The Oakland County Consortium of School Districts in collaboration with Oakland Schools is introducing a new program to begin this fall to provide Alternative Education through their vocational center at the OSTC (Oakland Schools Technical Center) Southwest Campus in Wixom.
The unique facet to this program is that there are career paths along with its alternative learning which has skills and experiences tied to it. The advantage over the previous high school alternative education program known as Laker Academy, is that there are opportunities for students to be exposed to more enrichment. Oakland Opportunity Academy will allow students to actively engage and feel empowered while experiencing self-directed and small group learning. They will have the chance to explore exciting careers reflecting their interests while learning with the latest software, equipment, processes and teachings, at the same time building marketable lifelong skills.
Learning is provided through several career clusters offering Computer Sciences which includes Business Management and Computer Hardware and Software Applications, Careers in the Health field including Nursing, EMT, Pharmacy Tech and Dental, and also in Culinary Arts/Hospitality focusing on Catering Services, Cooking Processes and Food & Beverage Preparation.
Oakland Opportunity Academy is located at 1000 Beck Road, in Wixom, 48393. For information, go to the Oakland Schools website: Departments>Learning Services>Oakland Opportunity Academy,
or to http://www.oakland.k12.mi.us/Departments/LearningServices/OaklandOpportunityAcademy/tabid/2966/Default.aspxOaklandOpportunityAcademy/tabid/2966/Default.aspx
Students can contact their school counselor or contact
Marlana Krolicki, Ed.D., Alternative Education Consultant,
Oakland Schools, 248-209-2025.
Partnerships
We are so fortunate in West Bloomfield to have established many partnerships with local organizations, schools and community businesses, such as Oakland Early College with Oakland Community College, and many of our middle school programs held in conjunction with WB Parks and Recreation.
One of the programs, Summer Reading, is part of our partnership with West Bloomfield Township Public Library. Summer Reading is a fun way to keep reading all summer long. Research shows that children who read five or more books during summer vacation gained more in reading achievement than classmates who took a break from books. In addition, research consistently shows that struggling readers lose ground over the summer. Of even greater concern is the fact that these losses are cumulative, creating a wider gap each year between more proficient and less proficient students. … by the time a struggling reader reaches middle school, summer reading loss has accumulated to a two–year lag in reading achievement. The Library’s Summer Reading program makes it easy to fit at least five books, magazines, audiobooks, graphic novels or other reading experiences into your summer plans. Summer reading runs June 12 – August 27, 2010. Register for Summer Reading at the Main Library or Westacres Branch or online anytime throughout the summer.
Oakland Community College, Oakland County Parks and Recreation and the West Bloomfield Township Public Library all have millage renewal proposals on the current primary election ballot and I encourage you to VOTE in this important election on Tuesday, August 3!
Incentives
Many of you have had questions regarding the VSI incentive that has been a part of the contracts of several employees who have elected to retire from our school district. The intent of the VSI when it was developed was to provide approximately $1.1 million savings to the school district. This allowed 50 top salaried teachers to retire and allow us to either not replace them or replace them with first year salary (less expensive) teachers.
What could not have been foreseen by the Board of Education or the administration was the state employee retirement reform legislation that also made it possible for some of our administrators to take advantage of this incentive. This will prompt an amendment to the budget in late fall. We will realize additional savings for teachers who elected to leave this spring as many are not being replaced or are being replaced with less expensive teachers.
Negotiations
We continue to negotiate with the WBEA and there have been no changes since our last communication. We are in Fact Finding at this time. Rick Arnett, Assistant Superintendent of Labor Relations, Human Resources and Pupil Accounting, and I will continue dialogue along these lines.
As you are aware, the state aid has found additional new resources for schools. While we are always pleased with any additional resources, we are continually mindful that this is an election year, and there are still those who may want to raid the fund and what is given could be taken away at the January Revenue Conference. We continue to work with legislators asking for their support of positive school funding.
Walking Distances
Another reminder that we will begin walking distances this fall. Ours will be a ONE MILE radius, WHERE APPROPRIATE. As stated before, students will NOT be asked to cross busy streets without crossing guards as safety is our #1 priority.
We encourage you to make arrangements with neighbors for “walking pools” and practice walking with your children to prepare them for this fall so that they AND YOU are familiar and comfortable with their route.
Board Meetings
Please note that the West Bloomfield School District Board of Education will conduct the following meetings:
Special Board Meeting
Monday, August 2, 2010 WBHS 8:00 am
Closed Session 7:30 am
The purpose of this special meeting is to accept bid awards, approve personnel actions, and other matters that may come before the board.
Special Board Meeting Closed Session
Monday, August 9, 2010 ACS Building 6:30 pm
Closed Session
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss negotiations and other matters that may come before the board.
Regular Board Meeting from August 9 Rescheduled
Monday, August 23, 2010 WBHS 7:00 pm
Media Center
In a crisis, be aware of the danger - but recognize the opportunity."
- John F. Kennedy
We have had our share of crises, but we move forward with great optimism. As many of our colleagues have taken the opportunity created from the state to retire early from their positions with West Bloomfield schools, new faces and changes abound with renewed energy in West Bloomfield School District. Now we are seeing enthusiasm and excitement. Every building is hiring and we are getting outstanding, experienced staff who are pleased and eager to come and work in West Bloomfield.
Athletics
The new Athletic Program will begin the first week in August. Useful information about the start of the sporting seasons can be found on the high school website. Go to www.wbsd.org, click on schools to locate WBHS, and there you can click on the Athletics link with the anchor logo.
In addition, you can access all West Bloomfield sports schedules by logging onto www.highschoolsports.net, select the state (Michigan) and the drop down will reveal West Bloomfield High School. Complete seasons schedules will be available as well as the current day’s schedule at the top of the screen.
Jump Start
At Jump Start, students get their schedules, books, all student I.D. pictures taken, 9-11 school pictures taken and they can order and pay for pictures, order yearbooks, student directories, buy Laker Fan Club athletic passes, and Seniors can obtain their parking passes.
Volunteers are needed for Jump Start which runs from:
August 24 for Seniors
August 25 for Juniors
August 26 for Sophomores and
August 27 for Freshmen
Make-up Day on Monday, August 30
7:30 am – 10 am, and 11:30 am – 1:00pm
Atrium of WBHS
Please contact Karen Sorgen at 248-865-6770 to volunteer. This is a good way to get involved and become familiar with what your students will experience during their next year at the high school.
Oakland Opportunity Academy
I am very excited about our newly developed Oakland Opportunity Academy, a new opportunity for West Bloomfield School District students to prepare themselves for a successful future in a competitive, global marketplace.
The Oakland County Consortium of School Districts in collaboration with Oakland Schools is introducing a new program to begin this fall to provide Alternative Education through their vocational center at the OSTC (Oakland Schools Technical Center) Southwest Campus in Wixom.
The unique facet to this program is that there are career paths along with its alternative learning which has skills and experiences tied to it. The advantage over the previous high school alternative education program known as Laker Academy, is that there are opportunities for students to be exposed to more enrichment. Oakland Opportunity Academy will allow students to actively engage and feel empowered while experiencing self-directed and small group learning. They will have the chance to explore exciting careers reflecting their interests while learning with the latest software, equipment, processes and teachings, at the same time building marketable lifelong skills.
Learning is provided through several career clusters offering Computer Sciences which includes Business Management and Computer Hardware and Software Applications, Careers in the Health field including Nursing, EMT, Pharmacy Tech and Dental, and also in Culinary Arts/Hospitality focusing on Catering Services, Cooking Processes and Food & Beverage Preparation.
Oakland Opportunity Academy is located at 1000 Beck Road, in Wixom, 48393. For information, go to the Oakland Schools website: Departments>Learning Services>Oakland Opportunity Academy,
or to http://www.oakland.k12.mi.us/Departments/LearningServices/OaklandOpportunityAcademy/tabid/2966/Default.aspxOaklandOpportunityAcademy/tabid/2966/Default.aspx
Students can contact their school counselor or contact
Marlana Krolicki, Ed.D., Alternative Education Consultant,
Oakland Schools, 248-209-2025.
Partnerships
We are so fortunate in West Bloomfield to have established many partnerships with local organizations, schools and community businesses, such as Oakland Early College with Oakland Community College, and many of our middle school programs held in conjunction with WB Parks and Recreation.
One of the programs, Summer Reading, is part of our partnership with West Bloomfield Township Public Library. Summer Reading is a fun way to keep reading all summer long. Research shows that children who read five or more books during summer vacation gained more in reading achievement than classmates who took a break from books. In addition, research consistently shows that struggling readers lose ground over the summer. Of even greater concern is the fact that these losses are cumulative, creating a wider gap each year between more proficient and less proficient students. … by the time a struggling reader reaches middle school, summer reading loss has accumulated to a two–year lag in reading achievement. The Library’s Summer Reading program makes it easy to fit at least five books, magazines, audiobooks, graphic novels or other reading experiences into your summer plans. Summer reading runs June 12 – August 27, 2010. Register for Summer Reading at the Main Library or Westacres Branch or online anytime throughout the summer.
Oakland Community College, Oakland County Parks and Recreation and the West Bloomfield Township Public Library all have millage renewal proposals on the current primary election ballot and I encourage you to VOTE in this important election on Tuesday, August 3!
Incentives
Many of you have had questions regarding the VSI incentive that has been a part of the contracts of several employees who have elected to retire from our school district. The intent of the VSI when it was developed was to provide approximately $1.1 million savings to the school district. This allowed 50 top salaried teachers to retire and allow us to either not replace them or replace them with first year salary (less expensive) teachers.
What could not have been foreseen by the Board of Education or the administration was the state employee retirement reform legislation that also made it possible for some of our administrators to take advantage of this incentive. This will prompt an amendment to the budget in late fall. We will realize additional savings for teachers who elected to leave this spring as many are not being replaced or are being replaced with less expensive teachers.
Negotiations
We continue to negotiate with the WBEA and there have been no changes since our last communication. We are in Fact Finding at this time. Rick Arnett, Assistant Superintendent of Labor Relations, Human Resources and Pupil Accounting, and I will continue dialogue along these lines.
As you are aware, the state aid has found additional new resources for schools. While we are always pleased with any additional resources, we are continually mindful that this is an election year, and there are still those who may want to raid the fund and what is given could be taken away at the January Revenue Conference. We continue to work with legislators asking for their support of positive school funding.
Walking Distances
Another reminder that we will begin walking distances this fall. Ours will be a ONE MILE radius, WHERE APPROPRIATE. As stated before, students will NOT be asked to cross busy streets without crossing guards as safety is our #1 priority.
We encourage you to make arrangements with neighbors for “walking pools” and practice walking with your children to prepare them for this fall so that they AND YOU are familiar and comfortable with their route.
Board Meetings
Please note that the West Bloomfield School District Board of Education will conduct the following meetings:
Special Board Meeting
Monday, August 2, 2010 WBHS 8:00 am
Closed Session 7:30 am
The purpose of this special meeting is to accept bid awards, approve personnel actions, and other matters that may come before the board.
Special Board Meeting Closed Session
Monday, August 9, 2010 ACS Building 6:30 pm
Closed Session
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss negotiations and other matters that may come before the board.
Regular Board Meeting from August 9 Rescheduled
Monday, August 23, 2010 WBHS 7:00 pm
Media Center
Friday, July 2, 2010
Talk Sup't. July 2, 2010
NEW STAFF
I’m pleased to announce several key positions that have been filled due to the retirement of several employees, inspired by the recent legislative incentives. First and foremost, we welcome Rick L. Arnett as the new Assistant Superintendent of Labor Relations, Human Resources and Pupil Accounting, filling the position that was left due to the retirement of Tony Marasco.
Mr. Arnett brings with him over twenty years of experience in the field of public education including experience in the area of human resource management.
He comes to West Bloomfield from Monroe Public Schools where he served as Executive Director of Personnel and Labor Relations for three years. He is responsible for all personnel related matters and served as the district’s Chief Negotiator working with six bargaining units. He has also served as Principal and Associate Principal at Delton Kellogg High School in Delton, and as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Maple Valley High School in Vermontville, Michigan.
Mr. Arnett holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Western Michigan University, and an MA in Administrative Certification from Grand Valley State University. He holds both an Educational Technology Certificate and a Certified Human Resources Specialist Certificate, both from Michigan State University.
Mr. Arnett has twelve years of successful administrative experience and five years of classroom experience. He is a member of the Michigan Association of School Personnel Administrators, the Michigan Negotiators Association, and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators.
James Scrivo has accepted the position of Principal at Scotch Elementary replacing Jeremey Whan, who is leaving to assume a principal position in Troy. Jim is returning to Scotch after having previously taught fifth grade there for eight years.
Jim has two years of successful administrative experience serving as Assistant Principal at Abbott Middle School. He has been a member of the Abbott Continuous School Improvement Team and created the professional development for Abbott Middle School. He is a member of the Abbott AVID Site Team, and has been a lead teacher and co-creator of Compass Common Assessments for 5th grade. He has been involved in many community projects including United We Walk, the River Rouge Education Project, the Heidelberg Project, is a Special Olympics Hugger and participated in Read Across America. He has been the Scotch School Basketball Coach and Flag Football Coach since 2001.
We welcome him back to the Scotch community!
In another ‘return home’ story, we are happy to see Beth Feiten return to West Bloomfield as the Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School. Ms. Feiten comes to West Bloomfield after having served as Assistant Principal of Berkshire Middle School and Assistant Principal of Derby Middle School in the Birmingham School District. Prior to her work in Birmingham, Ms. Feiten worked for the West Bloomfield School District from 1988 – 2001 teaching high school math, science and computer applications courses, and middle school math, science, health and environmental education at Orchard Lake Middle School. Ms. Feiten was also Principal of West Bloomfield School District Summer Academic Program.
Beth Anne Feiten received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics as well as her Master of Arts Degree in Educational Psychology both from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Feiten will receive her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University this August 2010.
Patrick Watson will become Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at West Bloomfield High School replacing DeWayne Jones who has retired as Athletic Director. Pat has taught American and World History, and Advanced Placement Psychology at West Bloomfield High School since 1994. He received his Bachelor of Science as well as a Master of Arts from Eastern Michigan University.
The Assistant Principal/Athletic Director is a newly formed position within the district. As Assistant Principal, he will be responsible for communicating the philosophy, goals and objectives of the high school program to the students, parents, staff members and to the community at large, while administering a program of student discipline and attendance. In addition, Mr. Watson will organize and direct the District’s Athletic Department in accordance with the Michigan High School Athletic Association, the athletic conference and the policies of the West Bloomfield School District.
Watson has been a stellar teacher at West Bloomfield High School, serving on several learning and accreditation committees, and was nominated for an Excellence in Education Award from the Oakland Press for the American History curriculum. He is the AVID Site Coordinator, and was the Social Studies Department Head. Watson was named to Who’s Who in Education and America’s Best Teachers publications.
Pat brings with him an experienced athletic background. Many of you know that he has coached JV and Varsity Basketball and Baseball since 1995, as well as being the West Bloomfield Baseball Camp Director since 1998.
In other staff changes, Ealy Principal David DeYoung has accepted a position in Ann Arbor which will be closer to his home. West Bloomfield High School Assistant Principal Jackie Laymac has accepted a position at the International Academy, and Dr. Joseph Hoffman, Director of Math, Science and Technology for the district will be taking a position in Birmingham. Many positions are posted and Rick Arnett will continue to interview experienced administrative and teaching candidates, beginning with internal candidates.
SEE HOW WE SHINE!
The new edition of INSIGHTS, the West Bloomfield High School newsletter link is posted on the homepage of our website at http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/Insights%20June%202010%20issue_1.pdf
This is another opportunity to see the outstanding academic accomplishments that our students have achieved. With over $3 million in scholarships and 168 students with a GPA of 3.5 or better, we have so much to be proud of in our community. Scholarship and award winners are all listed as well as sports tryout schedules and other end of year news.
WALKING ASSIGNMENTS REMINDER
A reminder that we will begin walking distances this fall. Ours will be a ONE MILE radius, WHERE APPROPRIATE. As stated beforetudents will NOT be asked to cross busy streets without crossing guards as safety is our #1 priority.
Please make arrangements with neighbors and friends for “walking pools” and practice walking with your children to prepare them for this fall so they are familiar and comfortable with their route.
This process was developed by a Safety Committee consisting of a team of transportation experts including WBSD Transportation Supervisor Lynne Robertson, an independent Traffic Safety Consultant, and the West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor and Orchard Lake Police Departments.
SCHOOL FUNDING
I encourage you to stay informed by following the events in Lansing as they occur. Yesterday, the Michigan Legislature approved a new $12.8-billion school funding plan that boosts state aid by $11 per pupil immediately and through the 2010-11 school year. Gov. Jennifer Granholm will sign the budget bill, which passed on the first day of school districts' fiscal year. Districts generally have already put in place their new budget plans by July 1 each year. The new school aid budget, which takes effect Oct. 1, gives back $11 per pupil of a $165-per-pupil cut that affected schools for their recently concluded school year.
This cut means that the original $165 cut that was planned will now be a $154 reduction to our funds. The impact of $11 is approximately $76,000 for our school district. However, we are hopeful that there will be no further cuts in school aid for the 2010-2011 school year.
This news is welcome but even with the extra funding, the district still faces a deficit albeit not as bad as projected in the Deficit Elimination Plan. I would also caution, that the impact of the Fall enrollment on school aid is yet to be known.
This has been a challenging year for all and I thank you for your continued support. Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend and a safe and rewarding summer!
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