It has been another GREAT week with with so much happening in our schools!
PROGRESS REPORTS
All electronic Progress reports should be available online today and hard copies should be received coming home with your student as well.BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
The board unanimously approved (7-0) to enter a cooperative agreement with the Greater West Bloomfield Cable Communications Commission, as discussed and approved by the township board at its meeting Oct. 11. The agreement allows for WBTV to be operated by the commission at the Green Media Center, which has no operational use since it closed last June. The agreement doesn't take effect until Nov. 1, however, the commission generously taped Monday's meeting "in a show of good faith,” and we thank them for that. CANDIDATES FORUM
Students from WBHS' Law Club, Political Leadership class, and AP U.S. Government and Politics held their Candidates Forum on Tuesday night, and I can’t tell you how impressive it was! Our kids were professional and top drawer!Teacher Alycia Chase and Katherine Law helped coordinate the student-moderated forum which brought together all six candidates to address issues which students felt were important to them. Seven moderators took turns asking questions and keeping time. Several others worked hard in the weeks prior to Tuesday to come up with the nine questions asked. Moderators agreed that the issues raised at the forum would be beneficial to the entirety of the election.
Principal Tom Shelton was happy to be approached by students and that such interest had never come up in school board elections during his tenure. Tom said, “It's very refreshing to me to see students involved at this level."
The West Bloomfield student media team under the direction of Kevin Walsh, Steve Palizzi and John Verloove, taped the forum and made it available via You-Tube. You can watch the forum in its entirety on WBTV Channel 19, and on You-Tube where it is divided into segments (You-Tube only allows 10 minutes maximum) Segment ONE begins at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKRzKw-MvqI&feature=relatedWBEFThrough the generosity of the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation, the Grant Committee recommended twenty-two $500 grants to teachers who applied totaling $11,000. This money will be applied towards eBooks, web-interactive science laboratories, software and other textbooks. Thank you to all who contribute to our foundation and help keep our district operative. $1000 was donated to the Laker Express towards their National Competition effort in California. Thank you to the WBEF for all you do for our kids!
DISTRICT WIDE OPEN HOUSE
All Parents looking ahead to high school, middle school or kindergarten - Mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE for November 15th, as we kick off our District Wide Open House: All Roads Lead to West Bloomfield High School! Come and explore all that West Bloomfield has to offer, so you can make good decisions regarding your child’s education.
WBHS will hold its Curriculum Fair showcasing the best of our district, with an overview of our unique offerings and programs. Elementary and middle schools will be on site with Principals who can give all the information about their buildings. This Open House is for all levels – so be sure to attend regardless of the age of your child. There will be information for everyone!
Real Estate professionals will be on hand as well for those looking to relocate in the district, with home information right on-site. I look forward to seeing you there!
MORE FACTS ABOUT MICHIGAN’S NEW “CUT SCORES”
I shared information regarding the new Cut Scores last week. Following are more questions and answers that may help you to understand the significance of the new Cut Scores.
I shared information regarding the new Cut Scores last week. Following are more questions and answers that may help you to understand the significance of the new Cut Scores.
Why is Michigan changing the MEAP and MME cut scores?
Michigan’s previous cut scores for these state tests were set at a very basic level. Raising the cut scores will give Michigan parents and students a much better sense of whether students are adequately prepared for the next step in their education and a future career in a global economy. Michigan is one of only three states in the nation (along with New York and Tennessee) to move to this top tier level of test scoring.
How do the new scores compare to last year’s scores?
The new cut scores represent a significantly higher standard for student achievement and are intended to more accurately reflect whether students are on track and prepared for college and careers. On some tests, students previously could have answered as few as 40 percent of the questions correctly to be considered proficient. Under the new scoring system, students will have to correctly answer a much higher percentage of questions. While we anticipate an initial decline in the number of students reported as “proficient,” we are confident this change will be temporary due to ongoing school improvement efforts and student support.
Should parents be concerned if their child’s proficiency level drops?
Parents may notice their child is not at the same proficiency level as previous years. A lower score does not mean that a child isn't gaining academic skills or is falling behind, but it is a reflection of higher standards. If a child does not score at or above the proficient level on any of the assessments, this is an indication that, on the day of the test, the child had not yet mastered the skills or knowledge expected for his or her grade level. Many students might require additional help and/or time to master these skills. Actually, by the time parents and the school receive the results from the state, many students will have closed the gap. Parents may wish to talk to their child’s teacher(s) about the results and the resources that can help ensure his or her success.
Michigan’s previous cut scores for these state tests were set at a very basic level. Raising the cut scores will give Michigan parents and students a much better sense of whether students are adequately prepared for the next step in their education and a future career in a global economy. Michigan is one of only three states in the nation (along with New York and Tennessee) to move to this top tier level of test scoring.
How do the new scores compare to last year’s scores?
The new cut scores represent a significantly higher standard for student achievement and are intended to more accurately reflect whether students are on track and prepared for college and careers. On some tests, students previously could have answered as few as 40 percent of the questions correctly to be considered proficient. Under the new scoring system, students will have to correctly answer a much higher percentage of questions. While we anticipate an initial decline in the number of students reported as “proficient,” we are confident this change will be temporary due to ongoing school improvement efforts and student support.
Should parents be concerned if their child’s proficiency level drops?
Parents may notice their child is not at the same proficiency level as previous years. A lower score does not mean that a child isn't gaining academic skills or is falling behind, but it is a reflection of higher standards. If a child does not score at or above the proficient level on any of the assessments, this is an indication that, on the day of the test, the child had not yet mastered the skills or knowledge expected for his or her grade level. Many students might require additional help and/or time to master these skills. Actually, by the time parents and the school receive the results from the state, many students will have closed the gap. Parents may wish to talk to their child’s teacher(s) about the results and the resources that can help ensure his or her success.
MUSIC
West Bloomfield High School hosted its 26th Annual West Bloomfield Marching Band Invitational last Saturday where 16 high school marching bands competed in the Michigan Competing Band Association event. West Bloomfield performed beautifully under the direction of Jeremy Figlewicz and Chad Mielens, however, schools are not eligible to compete on their day of hosting an invitational. However their score high enough to qualify them for states. I want to thank all of the parents, the community businesses, and alumni that came back to this great event, but most importantly, our students on the field. In 2008, the WBHS Marching Band became the 2008 MCBA State Champs, and have placed in the top 5 bands in the state and the top 17 nationally!
Also, I hope you will help support parent and music teacher Mr. Beddow from Doherty Elementary. His band, the Bugs Beddow Band, has been nominated for Best in Detroit. Bugs Beddow sings and plays the trombone & flute. His awesome band plays iconic Rhythm & Blues and Funk over 100 nights a year and have won the Detroit Music Awards for Best R&B Band five times.
Please support him by clicking on this URL and casting your vote.
Please forward this to a friend.
ATHLETICS
The official call came in yesterday, naming WBHS Senior Andrew Cahn, the 2011 Mr. Tennis for the State of Michigan, voted by all the Coaches. Andrew will also be All-State for the third year in a row. Congratulations, Andrew!
In addition, West Bloomfield Boys Tennis Coach Larry Stark played in the Spartan Tennis Pro-Am and Tailgate last weekend. The winners of the 2011 Spartan Pro-Am were Larry Stark a 1976 MSU Grad from West Bloomfield and Sophomore Drew Lied. Everyone got to play 4 games with and against the current Spartan tennis team. It was a great way for the Alumni and fans to get to know the current team and vice versa. Congratulations Larry!
THEATRE
Order your tickets now for WBHS Theatre Arts timelessly appealing, outrageously hilarious comedy Arsenic and Old Lace. The comedy by Joseph Kesselring will be performed next week, Thursday, November 3rd, and Friday, November 4th at 7:30pm, and Saturday, November 5th at 2:00 and 7:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased easily online and you can select your seats by going to showtix4u.com, click on Michigan, and you’ll see West Bloomfield High School.
The Brewster sisters exist as the epitome of etiquette and charm. Though childless themselves, they've spent their lives doting on their beloved nephews, contributing to numerous charities, and endeavoring to offer a little comfort and peace to as many lost souls who come upon their doorstep as they possibly can. Of course, even the Brewster sisters have "their peculiarities." Don't miss your opportunity to catch the hilarious madness of the classic comedy tale.
For more information about each production and the dates, reserved seating and also ticket sales, contact Karen Brody at (248) 865-6720.Seniors, come to our Saturday Matinee at 2:00 FREEof charge! Don’t forget that you can use your Gold Cards to attend our performances at no cost. If you are 65 or older and are a resident of West Bloomfield, you can obtain a complementary Gold Card at any one of our school buildings in the office. I hope to see you in the newly renovated WBHS Auditorium!
HALLOWEEN
Celebrations have been taking place in buildings for Halloween, one of our most fun holidays for kids. Preschoolers dressed as cowboys, princesses and swashbucklers have paraded through the ACS and many of the elementary buildings yesterday and today, collecting treats from all employees, eager to hand them out. Costumes just keep getting more creative and the kids’ eyes just sparkle as they go from door to door collecting their treats. Our own John Halonen knocked everyone out as he entertained the kids and staff with his electric guitar dressed as rock legend Jimmy Hendrix. His presence nearly blinded everyone as he strummed in lime green striped bell bottoms and five inch white plastic belt with the biggest wig I have ever seen! I love the spirit!!Please know that I appreciate you and all that you do for our children and community.
Have a safe and great weekend!
