WAITING FOR SUPERMAN
The creator of the movie An Inconvenient Truth is about to release a movie on public schooling, and it does not appear to be a positive review.
On Friday, September 24, the documentary Waiting for Superman will be released in New York and Los Angeles, with nationwide release in October and November. The film is set for release today and has been featured on Oprah this week (Monday and again on Friday) generating even more discussion.
While it is very moving, we must remember that it is ultimately entertainment.
The film follows five students who seek entry into charter schools, framed as their only hope for a quality education. The highly emotional ending focuses on a drawing or lottery to select which students will be admitted. Not everyone can win in a charter school lottery, but everyone can win in a public school. While great charter schools do exist, not every school can be a charter, and not all charter schools outperform traditional public schools. This is not acknowledged by this film.
While it is important to examine the challenges that exist in public education, which this film does, we must not merely criticize the system. Rather we must use them to begin a dialogue about how to ensure that every student succeeds.
The National School Board Association (NSBA) Executive Director Anne Bryant will appear as a public education advocate on the closing panel of a week-long series on NBC called Education Nation, which was featured on Monday and will be on Friday¹s episode of the Oprah show.
While we haven¹t had the opportunity to view the film as yet, we commend its call to action on behalf of public schools. It opens an important conversation, and begins a dialogue about the changes that need to take place, including but not limited to community involvement. However, the film¹s message oversimplifies complicated issues and creates a mentality of us versus them that only promotes division rather than collaboration.
Public schools and their charge to offer ALL students an opportunity for education are at the core of our democracy. Not everyone can win a lottery or meet the admission and financial criteria of a private or parochial school, but public schools provide all students an opportunity for success.
There are successful public schools across the country where students are reaching high levels of success, West Bloomfield being a prime example.
School boards recognize that it takes leadership that shifts expectations to higher levels. It takes dramatic changes in instruction to produce new results. It takes new forms of professional development to help teachers develop skills to reach struggling learners. It takes assessment systems that help us diagnose and improve, rather than rank and penalize. It takes greater levels of parent and community engagement that creates a support system for every child. I believe this is one of the strengths of the West Bloomfield School District.
Members of the education community are at the forefront of developing and implementing ways to improve teacher quality. No one wants teachers in the classrooms who don¹t belong there. We need to deal with the reality that teachers need tools, resources and support to do their jobs well.
While there are struggling public schools, there are also successful public schools across the country that are helping children from all backgrounds achieve success in them, unheralded teachers, administrators and school board members are doing extraordinary things every day. Unfortunately, this film doesn¹t feature those schools or educators.
We hope that as you view this film and discuss it with your friends and peers, that you keep in mind that this is entertainment, and that we continue to serve ALL students well.
OPEN HOUSES
Feedback has been positive in response to all of our Open Houses that have taken place. Parents have made comments to me that they are beginning the year with great expectations. West Bloomfield High School held their second Freshman Mentorship Day which was an overwhelming success. Freshmen meet with their Junior and Senior mentors and through team building activities, they establish a relationship that day which lasts throughout the year. Mentors help them in areas that they are challenged by and they stay connected through email, social networks and in person. It’s important to recognize that for students to be successful in school, they must have successful relationships as well. This program makes it possible for our freshmen to have a smooth transition into high school.
LEGISLATURE
This is our current legislative update from Judy Allen, Director Government & Community Services with Oakland Schools.
Shift of School Aid Dollars Occurs – The Senate passed legislation (HB 6086) to divert $208.4 million of State School Aid Fund (SAF) dollars to the Community College budget. The bill also transferred the same amount of General Fund (GF) dollars from the Community College budget to the General Fund to balance the State’s budget gap for FY 2009-10.
Federal Education Jobs Fund – The Governor did file the State’s application for Education Jobs Fund monies on September 7 indicating the funding ($318 million for Michigan) would be allocated through the state’s primary funding formula for elementary and secondary education. (The application can be viewed at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/educationjobsfund/applications/michigan.pdf.) However, the method by which the funds will be dispersed remains unresolved.
The House passed HB 5872 on August 25 recommending the one-time money be used in FY 2010-11 to restore the $154 per pupil reduction under Section 11d, restore $16 million to ISDs, and appropriate $50 million balance through the 2x formula (providing a one-time allocation of between $17 and $34 per pupil).
What does this mean for West Bloomfield?
The Education Jobs bill could restore $154 plus $17, that would yield $1.2 million. The governor is opposed to this plan. A second option is a 2X formula that would yield about $700,000 to West Bloomfield. This is the plan the governor supports and has promised to veto the restoration of $154 per pupil + 2X ($17) as it affects West Bloomfield . The difference of $1.2 million – $700,000 is about $500,000 loss to our district.
We need your support. Please contact the Governor and your legislators and let them know that we would like them to support the restoration of $154 and +2x for all schools. This is urgent as it is possible that a decision may be made soon.
For more information, please read House Bill 5872 on www.Michigan.gov website.
Have a safe weekend!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Talk Sup’t. September 17, 2010
WELCOME BACK!!
School began this week with our first full day of classes, and now we have completed our first full week of classes. I have visited every school and will have met with every teacher in the district shortly. I have been getting positive comments from the parents and the community, which has been such a welcome response. Thanks to everyone for a great beginning –
WALKING DISTANCES AND TRANSPORTATION
Our Traffic Engineer Consultant Mr. Robert DeCorte spoke to our PCN meeting yesterday regarding our new transportation efforts. Mr. DeCorte claims to have visited more schools than any other engineer in the WORLD, (true!) and he assured us that ALL schools have similar problems. Those problem issues are 1) Safety and 2) Congestion. To insure that those matters are dealt with appropriately, three areas are defined. Buses, walkers and vehicles (parents) are all confined to different areas, for the safety of everyone.
By law, we cannot have buses or vehicles lined up on the street, so all vehicles must be able to enter our parking lots and entry ways. We re-time our traffic signals to accommodate this need. If it is determined that these lights are not long enough to allow for all vehicles to enter the parking lot, they will adjust that timing once again.
Mr. DeCorte asked for our patience for another week to insure that we have time to amend and improve all of our processes during this transition period.
I also ask you to remind your child to wait at a safe location away from traffic and vehicles as you continue to help them navigate.
Again, I encourage all parents to review the Transportation page on our website, http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/Safeline.cfm?subpage=1055840 as well as the Transportation Handbook with your children. You can access The Transportation Handbook by clicking on the link on the Transportation page.
As the host of our first PCN (Parent Communication Network) meeting, West Bloomfield High School Co-Principals Tom Shelton and Blake Prewitt spoke briefly about their new positions, new staff and also about many of their Points of Pride. Assistant Principals Mara Hoffert and Pat Watson are getting established and are working together to make this a great year for the students. Points of Pride include the fact that more students took Advanced Placement classes and exams than ever before in school history. Exciting new initiatives are in the works, including two new AP courses AP Statistics and AP English Language. Some AP classes have also opened to ninth and tenth graders. Since we are a top feeder to Michigan State University, the institution has requested that we hold a special “MSU Night at WBHS” in October. Their theme this year Is “World of Opportunity”, which showcases all of the unique programs that make ours a quintessential school . Why is WBHS special? The scope of opportunities include our senior intern programs Political Leadership, and Medical Mentorship, as well as the new Oakland Opportunity Academy at the Oakland Technical Center. Our new CAD teacher, Rosa Everitt has plans to expand opportunities also.
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Robert Martin gave a brief summary report on our accreditation from North Central Accreditation which rates our district against international standards. WBSD received highest commendations, noting that we achieved in 18 months what normally takes 5 years to prepare for. Perhaps the greatest measure of our success is the feedback from a professional team that acknowledges the efforts and great work of our teams, and the school district at large. Please go to our website to read the full report.
Our two new programs, the West Bloomfield Transition Center and the Oakland Opportunity Academy are underway. The West Bloomfield Transition Center is our post-secondary program that will provide school-based and community-based instruction to assist our adult special needs students in their transition to adult life within their own home district. OOA is replacing Laker Academy and is a program designed to provide Alternative Education through Oakland Schools Technical Center, Southwest Campus in Wixom. 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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Robert Martin is looking for Parent and Community volunteers to act as AVID Tutors to work with small groups of students on Tuesdays and Thursdays under the direction of an experienced teacher.
Volunteers are needed for these times on Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Orchard Lake MS: 7:30-8:29 am
Abbott MS: 8:15-9:15am and/or 9:19-10:19am
West Bloomfield High School: 9:06-10:06 and/or 10:52-11:52 and/or 11:24 – 12:24
To Volunteer, Contact:
Barb Stapleton at stapleton@westbloomfield.k12.mi.us
or 248.865.6479
ELEMENTARIES AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Go to each of the individual schools’ websites to see the individual events that are already taking place in each building. There is much activity with lots of FundRuns, Open Houses, Ice Cream Socials and other special events geared to each school. Ealy and Scotch held “Popsicles with the Principal” as a getting acquainted event with Principals Rod MacNeal and James Scrivo. Gretchko will be holding a fundraiser in conjunction with Barnes & Noble in November, with proceeds going towards little books for their building. Open House will be held at the high school next Wednesday, September 22. In November, the PTO will be holding a “College Funding” evening with elementary and middle school parents invited. Green is having a Movie Night, Doherty will hold Diversity Day, and Roosevelt will be promoting Lodge Nights in Keego Harbor as their fundraiser. There are many events too numerous to list, but all of this activity is a sign that people are staying involved, sponsoring and supporting our schools.
“When a team outgrows individual performance and
learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.”
learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.”
- Joe Paterno
Friday, September 10, 2010
Talk Sup't. September 10, 2010
Talk Sup’t. September 10, 2010
WELCOME BACK!!
School began on Wednesday with our first full day of classes, and we are now on our two day holiday observance. We are ironing out many of the first day bugs, (there were few) and are looking forward to a full week starting Monday. I visited every school yesterday and was very impressed with the teacher and student engagement in every classroom. The feedback from parents has been positive toward the opening of school. Thanks to everyone for a great beginning – We will work out the glitches!!
WALKING DISTANCES AND TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided for all West Bloomfield Schools resident students living more than 1 mile from their school of attendance. Students that are not assigned to bus stops may NOT use neighborhood bus stops. Safe, efficient and friendly service is our goal and we strive every day to accomplish this. We will do our best to arrive at your child’s bus stop on time. There may be delays due to road conditions or heavy traffic. Please contact the transportation office if your child’s bus is delayed by more than 10 minutes. All buses are equipped with 2-way radios and we are able to contact your child’s driver, as needed.
Students should arrive at their bus stop 10 minutes prior to pick up time to allow for weather and traffic variances. Remind your child to wait at a safe location away from traffic and vehicles.
Many students will be experiencing walking to school for the first time since we have instituted the one mile walking distance this year. While we understand that this decision may cause some inconvenience, the district can no longer afford to provide transportation for all students. Students will not be asked to cross busy streets without crossing guards, as safety is our #1 priority.
If you reside less than 1 mile from your school of residence, we encourage you to make arrangements with neighbors and friends for “walking pools”. We encourage all parents to review the Transportation page on our website, http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/Safeline.cfm?subpage=1055840 as well as the Transportation Handbook with your children. You can access The Transportation Handbook by clicking on the link on the Transportation page.
Shuttle service is available in certain areas. If you reside in a walk area, live outside the district or live outside the attendance area of your school and would like to ride a shuttle, you must complete a request form. It must be signed by your building principal and will be forwarded to the Transportation Department. You will be contacted when a seat is available on a shuttle. You can access the Transportation Request Form from the Transportation page on the website.
There have been questions regarding transportation and walking distances, so in an effort to make clear all of the options that are possible, we suggest that you tune in to Monday’s Board of Education meeting where our Transportation Supervisor will speak to how transportation is being handled. The meeting will take place at West Bloomfield High School Media Center at 7:00 pm.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Remember that we have some school supplies and backpacks available, for those families that are in need, thanks to the generosity of the West Bloomfield Police Department, the Keego Harbor Optimist Club, Our Children’s Fund, and Covenant Baptist Church. Please contact your school principal or social worker to obtain these for your children. Special Thanks go to Our Children’s Fund who continue to fill and purchase backpacks as needed and deliver them to schools. This is just one of the ways that they help provide necessary gifts to WBSD students and their families
UPCOMING EVENTS
Doherty will be holding their Ice Cream Social this Monday night from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM.
Come to the Game!
FRIDAY NIGHT BOYS VARSITY FOOTBALL at West Bloomfield High School vs. Royal Oak.
Join us at the game and register for a great opportunity as
96.3 WDVD and 93.1 Doug FM present
"Kick for Your Kids" and an opportunity to win a $10,000 Scholarship
West Bloomfield High School, Friday, September 10, at 7:00 pm
96.3 WDVD and 93.1 Doug FM, will have tents set up at the game with tables to register for the opportunity to kick a field goal and win a $10,000 Scholarship!
Each finalist will have a maximum of (3) kick attempts, to successfully kick (3) field goals from three different designated distances. In order to be eligible to claim the grand prize, the eligible finalist must successfully complete the ‘Progressive Field Goal Kick’ contest by completing each of the three (3) field goal kicks through the designated goal posts, from each of the (3) designated distances as specified by the contest administrator.
• 1st Distance – 20 Yards (must be successfully completed prior to progressing to next distance)
• 2nd Distance – 30 Yards (must be successfully completed prior to progressing to next distance)
• 3rd Distance – 45 Yards (must be successfully completed without missing any distance)
Promotions will be aired all day Thursday and Friday on 96.3 FM WDVD and 93.1 Doug FM.
Field Goal Kicks will take place during the half time.
GO LAKERS!
Have a great weekend and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
WELCOME BACK!!
School began on Wednesday with our first full day of classes, and we are now on our two day holiday observance. We are ironing out many of the first day bugs, (there were few) and are looking forward to a full week starting Monday. I visited every school yesterday and was very impressed with the teacher and student engagement in every classroom. The feedback from parents has been positive toward the opening of school. Thanks to everyone for a great beginning – We will work out the glitches!!
WALKING DISTANCES AND TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided for all West Bloomfield Schools resident students living more than 1 mile from their school of attendance. Students that are not assigned to bus stops may NOT use neighborhood bus stops. Safe, efficient and friendly service is our goal and we strive every day to accomplish this. We will do our best to arrive at your child’s bus stop on time. There may be delays due to road conditions or heavy traffic. Please contact the transportation office if your child’s bus is delayed by more than 10 minutes. All buses are equipped with 2-way radios and we are able to contact your child’s driver, as needed.
Students should arrive at their bus stop 10 minutes prior to pick up time to allow for weather and traffic variances. Remind your child to wait at a safe location away from traffic and vehicles.
Many students will be experiencing walking to school for the first time since we have instituted the one mile walking distance this year. While we understand that this decision may cause some inconvenience, the district can no longer afford to provide transportation for all students. Students will not be asked to cross busy streets without crossing guards, as safety is our #1 priority.
If you reside less than 1 mile from your school of residence, we encourage you to make arrangements with neighbors and friends for “walking pools”. We encourage all parents to review the Transportation page on our website, http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/Safeline.cfm?subpage=1055840 as well as the Transportation Handbook with your children. You can access The Transportation Handbook by clicking on the link on the Transportation page.
Shuttle service is available in certain areas. If you reside in a walk area, live outside the district or live outside the attendance area of your school and would like to ride a shuttle, you must complete a request form. It must be signed by your building principal and will be forwarded to the Transportation Department. You will be contacted when a seat is available on a shuttle. You can access the Transportation Request Form from the Transportation page on the website.
There have been questions regarding transportation and walking distances, so in an effort to make clear all of the options that are possible, we suggest that you tune in to Monday’s Board of Education meeting where our Transportation Supervisor will speak to how transportation is being handled. The meeting will take place at West Bloomfield High School Media Center at 7:00 pm.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Remember that we have some school supplies and backpacks available, for those families that are in need, thanks to the generosity of the West Bloomfield Police Department, the Keego Harbor Optimist Club, Our Children’s Fund, and Covenant Baptist Church. Please contact your school principal or social worker to obtain these for your children. Special Thanks go to Our Children’s Fund who continue to fill and purchase backpacks as needed and deliver them to schools. This is just one of the ways that they help provide necessary gifts to WBSD students and their families
UPCOMING EVENTS
Doherty will be holding their Ice Cream Social this Monday night from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM.
Come to the Game!
FRIDAY NIGHT BOYS VARSITY FOOTBALL at West Bloomfield High School vs. Royal Oak.
Join us at the game and register for a great opportunity as
96.3 WDVD and 93.1 Doug FM present
"Kick for Your Kids" and an opportunity to win a $10,000 Scholarship
West Bloomfield High School, Friday, September 10, at 7:00 pm
96.3 WDVD and 93.1 Doug FM, will have tents set up at the game with tables to register for the opportunity to kick a field goal and win a $10,000 Scholarship!
Each finalist will have a maximum of (3) kick attempts, to successfully kick (3) field goals from three different designated distances. In order to be eligible to claim the grand prize, the eligible finalist must successfully complete the ‘Progressive Field Goal Kick’ contest by completing each of the three (3) field goal kicks through the designated goal posts, from each of the (3) designated distances as specified by the contest administrator.
• 1st Distance – 20 Yards (must be successfully completed prior to progressing to next distance)
• 2nd Distance – 30 Yards (must be successfully completed prior to progressing to next distance)
• 3rd Distance – 45 Yards (must be successfully completed without missing any distance)
Promotions will be aired all day Thursday and Friday on 96.3 FM WDVD and 93.1 Doug FM.
Field Goal Kicks will take place during the half time.
GO LAKERS!
Have a great weekend and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Talk Sup't. September 3, 2010
Talk Sup’t. September 3, 2010
WELCOME BACK!!
School begins on Wednesday with our first full day of classes, then we will be off for two days as the community celebrates Rosh Hashanah. I wish everyone a happy and restful holiday.
We are fully staffed and prepared to start the new year. With the mix of new faces as well as familiar ones in the classrooms and offices, I am excited as I see the renewed energy that has been going on in the buildings as they prepare for the new year. Bulletin boards and hallways are being decorated, lessons are etched into day planners, and supplies are being stored into cabinets and drawers. These are all signs of a liveliness and exertion that is fueled by professionals who all contribute to new opportunities for students and a strong West Bloomfield School District.
There will be 19 Late Start Wednesdays this year, with the first one falling on September 15. The teachers and staff use this time for Professional Development, which makes a difference for the teaching and learning of all our children.
WALKING DISTANCES
Many students will be experiencing walking to school for the first time since we have instituted the one mile walking distance this year. I hope that students and parents have had the opportunity over the summer to practice their routes and organize neighborhood groups to walk with. Parents should be mindful of students having the proper equipment and attire for walking in regards to weather conditions.
For parents who are concerned about school supplies, please be aware that filled backpacks have been made available for those families that are in need, thanks to the generosity of the West Bloomfield Police Department, the Keego Harbor Optimist Club, Our Children’s Fund, and Covenant Baptist Church. Please contact your school principal or social worker to obtain these for your children.
UPDATE ON NEGOTIATIONS
In order to bring a resolution to ongoing negotiations with the West Bloomfield Education Association, we are working through a mediator with hopes of reaching a settlement. In addition to the mediations, we are proceeding through Fact Finding. Two Fact Finding hearing dates have been set for October.
PCN
Our first District Wide Parent Communication Network (PCN) meeting is scheduled for September 16 at 10 am in the West Bloomfield High School Media Center. All are invited, so please join us to learn what is going on in your schools.
The purpose of the West Bloomfield School District-Wide PCN is to provide a forum for the sharing of ideas, concerns and projects. It is an opportunity for dialogue between administration and parents to gain a district-wide perspective and communicate on topical school issues.
The committee consists of Dr. JoAnn Andrees and a chairperson from each of the district’s schools. The Meetings are held monthly at different schools and are co-chaired by JoAnn Andrees and the host school’s district PCN chairperson. The principal of the school hosting the meeting also attends. The PCN continues the practice of alternating evening and daytime meetings.
The value derived from the PCN rests in each school’s representative having the opportunity to take information back to local school communities and vice-versa.
Happy Holiday!
I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.
WELCOME BACK!!
School begins on Wednesday with our first full day of classes, then we will be off for two days as the community celebrates Rosh Hashanah. I wish everyone a happy and restful holiday.
We are fully staffed and prepared to start the new year. With the mix of new faces as well as familiar ones in the classrooms and offices, I am excited as I see the renewed energy that has been going on in the buildings as they prepare for the new year. Bulletin boards and hallways are being decorated, lessons are etched into day planners, and supplies are being stored into cabinets and drawers. These are all signs of a liveliness and exertion that is fueled by professionals who all contribute to new opportunities for students and a strong West Bloomfield School District.
There will be 19 Late Start Wednesdays this year, with the first one falling on September 15. The teachers and staff use this time for Professional Development, which makes a difference for the teaching and learning of all our children.
WALKING DISTANCES
Many students will be experiencing walking to school for the first time since we have instituted the one mile walking distance this year. I hope that students and parents have had the opportunity over the summer to practice their routes and organize neighborhood groups to walk with. Parents should be mindful of students having the proper equipment and attire for walking in regards to weather conditions.
For parents who are concerned about school supplies, please be aware that filled backpacks have been made available for those families that are in need, thanks to the generosity of the West Bloomfield Police Department, the Keego Harbor Optimist Club, Our Children’s Fund, and Covenant Baptist Church. Please contact your school principal or social worker to obtain these for your children.
UPDATE ON NEGOTIATIONS
In order to bring a resolution to ongoing negotiations with the West Bloomfield Education Association, we are working through a mediator with hopes of reaching a settlement. In addition to the mediations, we are proceeding through Fact Finding. Two Fact Finding hearing dates have been set for October.
PCN
Our first District Wide Parent Communication Network (PCN) meeting is scheduled for September 16 at 10 am in the West Bloomfield High School Media Center. All are invited, so please join us to learn what is going on in your schools.
The purpose of the West Bloomfield School District-Wide PCN is to provide a forum for the sharing of ideas, concerns and projects. It is an opportunity for dialogue between administration and parents to gain a district-wide perspective and communicate on topical school issues.
The committee consists of Dr. JoAnn Andrees and a chairperson from each of the district’s schools. The Meetings are held monthly at different schools and are co-chaired by JoAnn Andrees and the host school’s district PCN chairperson. The principal of the school hosting the meeting also attends. The PCN continues the practice of alternating evening and daytime meetings.
The value derived from the PCN rests in each school’s representative having the opportunity to take information back to local school communities and vice-versa.
Happy Holiday!
I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.
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