Talk Sup't. January 21, 2011

Talk Sup’t. - JoAnn Blog 1/7/2011

FACT FINDING REPORT

On Wednesday, January 19, 2010 the Administration met with the West Bloomfield Education Association
(WBEA) the Union that represents the Teachers of the district, for nearly 4 hours. We will resume these
discussions on February 1, 2011 with a mediator present. The District never loses sight of its purpose of
providing a quality education for each child in every one of our buildings. .  

You may read the Fact Finder’s entire report at http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/FactFindersReport.pdf

SCHOOL TIME

The Board of Educaion and I have been visiting schools on our traditional Walk-Thru’s and are very pleased
at the use of technology at the elementary and middle school  levels. Teachers are integrating technology
in a natural way in the classrooms by providing easy access to Promethean boards for the students.  All of
our students at the high school and middle school levels are prepping for exams which will take place
Monday through Thursday of next week, with no school on Friday, January 28.

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP

West Bloomfield School District is holding Kindergarten Roundup beginning today for eligible children who will be five years old by December 1, 2011, for the 2011-2012 school year. This information is posted on the home page of our website at www.wbsd.org.

For Green, Doherty, and Ealy, call the schools listed to schedule your appointment.

Roosevelt and Gretchko, please come at the designated time with your child.

Please bring:

                a.            Your child’s certified birth certificate

                b.            Three Proofs of Residency

                                i.  Deed or signed lease/rental agreement AND

                                ii. Two other proofs of residency, i.e gas and electric bill, with your                                                name and address

                c.             Your child’s immunization records and vision screening

Roundup dates and times for individual schools:

Friday, January 21, 2011: (held  today)

Green Elementary - Katherine Sheiko, Principal

8:35 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:15 pm

Call 248-865-6370 to schedule your appointment with your child.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011:

Doherty Elementary - Susan Crocker, Principal

9:30 am, 10:45 am,1:00 pm, 2:15 pm

Call 248-865-6020 to schedule your appointment with your child.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011:

Roosevelt Elementary - Dr. Beth Feiten, Principal

Call 248-865-6620 for more information.

All parents and children come at 7:00 pm.

Thursday, January 27, 2011:

Ealy Elementary - Roderick MacNeal, Jr., Principal

8:35 am, 10:00 am,12:00 pm, 1:15 pm

Call 248-865-6210 to schedule your appointment with your child.

Thursday, January 27, 2011:

Gretchko Elementary - Sally Drummond, Principal

Call: 248-865-6570

All parents and children come at 5:30 pm.

UNITED WE WALK

The 17^th Annual United We Walk Celebration took place on Sunday, January 16. The program celebrating
the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. promoted the theme “United We Remember and Move Forward”. Judge Denise Langford Morris was our Keynote Speaker and she spoke eloquently about how we got to this point and where we go from here. Judge Morris presented a slideshow during her speech that depicted
some provocative and emotional photos of scenes which served to help us understand social injustice and King’s desire to help create an integrated and unified America.

Dr. Robert Martin led the audience in an inspiring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, accompanied by Principal Blake Prewitt on the piano. Co-Chairs Brian Flaggs, Pastor Bill Matlack, Eleanor Squaire-Spears,
 along with students Alyxis Flaggs, Erin Lasenby and David Kakos and the entire United We Walk Committee did a magnificent job of creating an interesting, dramatic, entertaining and inspiring program. Special
thanks to the Township and the West Bloomfield Police Department for supporting this event.

VOICES OF TRIUMPH

Orchard Lake Middle School Theater and Choir students performed last night at the “Voices of Triumph”
in the OLMS cafeteria. This tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King was a beautiful  evening concert of poetry and song .

BEYOND INTERNET SAFETY

The January 19 PCN Meeting  at the West Bloomfield High School Auditorium, was a phenomenal
presentation of  Beyond Internet Safety. Parent and attorney Frank Hoffman, Len Feller from the
U.S. Dept. of Justice, Shaindle Braunstein, Director of Hermelin ORT, Gary Weisserman, Head of School
at Oakland Early College, West Bloomfield Police Department officer Chuck Mendham, and our Director of Technology, Dr. Neil Currie discussed Cyber Bullying, Protecting your Privacy and Identity, Sexting, and
 Living in a web 2.0 World. The comments from those parents who attended were all positive, while
several  called it ‘eye opening’.  This is an important topic in today’s world as we all try to protect our
children. If you were not able to make it to the meeting, we have posted two of the presentations at the
top of  the home page of our website for your viewing.  See Beyond Internet Safety and Child Safety.

Talk Sup't. January 7, 2011

Talk Sup’t. - 1/7/2011

FACT FINDING REPORT

On December 22, 2010 the Michigan Employee Relations Commission (MERC) released the Fact Finder Michael P. Long’s report.  This report is part of the ongoing negotiations between the West Bloomfield School District and the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA) the Union that represents the Teachers of the district.  

Fact finding provides School Districts and bargaining groups such as the WBEA an opportunity to present their bargaining position and rationale behind their position to a neutral Labor Expert selected by the State of Michigan.  The Fact Finder does not direct or order a particular agreement, but reviews each side’s perspective and provides a fresh view on the issues with objective recommendations.  While neither side is required to accept the recommendations, the Fact Finder’s Report provides each side the chance to step back and reflect on their bargaining position in light of the Fact Finder’s opinion as they continue to bargain.

The West Bloomfield Board of Education has reviewed the report and believes Mr. Long’s assessment and recommendations validate the current economic crisis the district is experiencing and their bargaining position aimed at assisting them to work out of this crisis. 

The West Bloomfield School Board and the union representing the teachers (WBEA) have sought to find a shared settlement that is fiscally responsible in light of the current difficult economic conditions. In addition to this, the Board of Education is committed to ongoing dialog with the (WBEA) with the goal of reaching a collaborative agreement, an agreement that will allow the district to continue to provide quality programming to its students and work out of the current financial deficit.      

While negotiations have been difficult the District has not lost sight of its purpose of providing a quality education for each and every child of the district.  

You may read the entire report at http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/FactFindersReport.pdf

COMING UP:

UNITED WE WALK

The 17^th Annual United We Walk Celebration will take place on Sunday, January 16. Do not  miss this program celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme is United We Remember and Move Forward. Judge Denise Langfor Morris is our Keynote Speaker and she will  talk about how we got to this point and where we go from here. We have had such great support this year, and the student s are to be commended for helping to put on such a great program, along with Co-Chairs Brian Flaggs, Pastor Bill Matlack, Eleanor Squaire-Spears. Our button  this year was designed by Dana Korogodsky, a student in Melissa Wood’s art class at Orchard Lake Middle School. This has been hailed as one of the best designs ever, and she is to be commended for her talent. This is a tremendous undertaking and speaks to the passion in this community that values diversity, promotes unity and underscores the worth of every person.

The Walk begins at 3:00 at West Bloomfield High School, followed by food and refreshments generously donated by Whole Foods. The program will start at 4:30 in the auditorium, followed by a candlelight vigil. Please join us!

VOICES OF TRIUMPH

In addition to United We Walk, another celebration in recognition of Dr. King will take place as the Orchard Lake Middle School Theater and Choir students perform “Voices of Triumph” on Thursday, January 20 at 7 pm in the OLMS cafeteria. This tribute to Dr. King will be an evening concert of poetry and song and is free to all that come.

PCN

Join us at our January 19 PCN Meeting  at the West Bloomfield High School Auditorium, as we bring you an important presentation entitled Beyond Internet Safety. Parent and attorney Frank Hoffman, Matt Roth from the US Dept. of Justice, Shaindle Braunstein, Director of Hermelin ORT, Gary Weisserman, Head of School at Oakland Early College, West Bloomfield Police Department officers, and our Director of Technology, Dr. Neil Currie will discuss Cyber Bullying, Protecting your Privacy and Identity, Sexting, and Living in a web 2.0 World. This is an important topic in today’s world as we all try to protect our children.

COFFEE TALK

Last night’s Coffee Talk was inspiring as Tom Goulding presented the latest information on the budget. I appreciate everyone’s interest and input, and I invite those who were not able to attend to join us at our next one. There are still three more opportunities to join us:

Wednesday January 12, 9:30 am at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library

Thursday, February 3 at 7:00 pm at Orchard Lake Middle School

Thursday, February 24 at 9:30 am at Scotch Elementary

REDESIGNING A CULTURE OF LEARNING

Alan November, recognized internationally as a leader in education technology has guided schools government organizations and industry leaders as they plan to improve quality with technology. In this special presentation Alan will explore what essential questions and planning processes are needed to prepare our students to have a global work ethic, and how to turn our classrooms into global communication centers. He will share his work on redesigning the culture of teaching and learning with concrete tools, websites and ideas that educators parents and community members can take and use with students to create a more empowered authentic model of learning.

Monday, January 31, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. Call Larry Thomas at 248-209-2297.

OAKLAND COUNTY SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

Tim Skubick, author and producer of Michigan public television’s Off the Record, and the longest serving member of the state capital press corps will focus on the new landscape in Lansing, and what changes to expect in education. He will also provide advice on how to best navigate through the new landscape as school communities advocate for their students. There will be a Q & A session at the conclusion of the presentation. This will take place on Wednesday, January 19 at 7:30 pm. at the Ferndale School District Board Office, 2920 Burdette, Ferndale, MI. RSVP to Connie Birkle at connie.birkle@oakland.kk12.mi.us or by calling 248-209-2517.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The following is a review of the rumors that another School Aid Fund raid is about to take place.   There are two links in the message below – one leads to a joint statement noting the negative implications such a raid would have on K-!2 education and the other is a link that allows people an easy way to affix their name and email address to a letter to the governor.  I ask that you act on this legislative matter immediately. It would help if our PTO leadership responds also so the parent voice will also be heard by our new governor.  As budget positions are solidifying in Lansing over the next week or so, immediate action is required.

Legislative Update for the Week of January 3-7

"Rumors Circulate About Another SAF Raid"

Rumors began circulating in Lansing this week that newly elected Governor Rick Snyder may propose shifting the general fund (GF) cost of the community colleges and higher education budgets over to the School Aid Fund (SAF).

The state is already facing a projected $1.5 billion GF shortfall next year and, presuming the Governor goes through with his plan to replace the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) with a 6 percent flat corporate tax, the state will have about $3 billion in spending cuts to do to balance the FY 2011-12 budget.

According to the House Fiscal Agency if the full costs ($1.8 billion) of the Higher Education and Community College budgets were shifted into the SAF, it would reduce K-12 spending by $1,150 per student.  The School Aid Fund is already facing a roughly $200 million shortfall from current year state revenue and the loss of over $300 million in federal Education Jobs Act money leaves Michigan schools with a potential half a billion dollar single year drop. 

ACTION:  MASA and MAISA together with MASB have put out a joint statement expressing their strong concerns about these rumors.  The groups also urged the Snyder administration to make education a priority in next year’s budget by reforming Michigan’s tax code and empowering schools to innovate.  MASA/MAISA Government Relations also put out an alert for members to use to contact Governor Snyder and tell him that reforming education funding cannot mean forcing more students to share fewer dollars.  Take action by visiting http://capwiz.com/gomasa/issues/alert/?alertid=21564506&type=SW&show_alert=1

Talk Sup't. December 10, 2010

Good things are happening in our classrooms
I’m happy to report that good things are happening district-wide as teachers integrate technology throughout their curriculum and delivery of content to students. During our most recent Late Start I visited several professional development sessions with teachers co-constructing assessments designed to align curriculum and ensure equity for all students. It is exhilarating witnessing teacher-to-teacher sharing their instructional strategies and experiencing the energy from “Aha!” moments.

We continue our district-wide focus on informational or non-fiction writing. Many of our teachers are building Classroom Libraries with challenging, engaging, and enticing books. I encourage each of you to talk daily with your child. Their ability to verbally express themselves has a direct correlation to their reading and writing ability. Talk about current events, books they are reading, hobbies, TV shows, etc. Basically talking leads to improved reading comprehension which leads to increased writing fluency. Talking and listening to your child takes minimal financial investment and yields vast academic dividends! Take a moment to read some of the posted student writing in your child’s school. Prepare yourself to be impressed!

Kudos to our Student Athletes and Coaches!

Congratulations to the WBHS Girls Swim & Dive Team that qualified for States.

Tricia Grant was All-State as a diver and finished second place in the state meet. Maison Moore, Mallory Moore, Krysia Cheshire, Elizabeth Piontkowski all made States as part of the swim team.

Claire Forhan, Sara Colville, Dani Blumstein also made States as divers.

Erin Finn not only made States in Cross Country, but she was the National Foot Locker Cross Country Nominee and the Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year Nominee as well.

Our Boys Tennis Team made States as well, while Andrew Cahn made All-State.

Coach Fraylick is the only Division 1 Diving Coach to send four girls to states the last three years.

Coach Bob Crosby achieved 200^th Dual Meet Victory for WBHS Girls Swimming and Dive. We should also mention that at this point, the Boys Swim Team has 197 victories, and will hopefully meet this milestone as well. Coach Crosby has also been honored by the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (MISCA) with the Matt Mann Award, which is the highest, most esteemed honor given by MISCA. Thank you for making us proud.

West Bloomfield continues to do well in co-curricular activities. Congratulations go out to Joel Thursam’s Debate Team as they became State Award Winners again! Those winning the 2010 Debate State Championship were  Alec Adimonius, Nick Asker, Akbar Hussain and Justin Zabel. 

Sheri Hauk’s choir members Brian Baylor, Chris Brody, Kara Brody, Meghan Jolliffe and Evan Marymee have won the 2011 MSVMA State Honors Choir.

OUR LIBRARY AWARDED NATION’S TOP HONOR

Congratulations to our own West Bloomfield Public Library, Director Clara Bohrer and her staff as they have just received the nation’s highest award given to libraries!

The West Bloomfield Township Public Library is one of only five libraries in the country to receive the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries.

The award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recognizes libraries and museums that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and inclusiveness, which exceed accepted standards for community outreach. The United States has more than 123,000 public, school, academic and special libraries, and we are so fortunate to have one of just five that have achieved this level of success

The West Bloomfield Township Public Library will receive the National Medal at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. this month. The library also receives $10,000 in recognition of its contributions.

Community

United We Walk in Style, Fashion Show and Gold Event took place in November at Orchard Mall and was a great event! Tapper’s Jewelry generously donated 10% of the amount of the exchange of supporters’ gold that day, which with ticket sales netted over $1200 to the West Bloomfield School District Fine Arts Program and United We Walk. A huge thank you goes out to Eleganza Boutique, Guys N Gals, Sally’s Designs, Maria’s Bridal and Bricker Tunis Furs, in addition to all of the stores in the mall that contributed prizes and discounts to attendants.

The Fashion Show had students, teachers, and community members modeling the latest fashions from those stores. West Bloomfield Police Sgt. Tara Kane was dazzling in violet, and OEC’s Gary Weisserman, Holy Spirit Church’s Pastor Bill Matlack and student Corey Lee-Martin were all dapper in fur lined leather from Bricker-Tunis Furs. Fashionplates Principal Sally Drummond, Community Cheerleaders Hertha Woodruff and Debbie Macon and several West Bloomfield High School students all strutted down the runway like it was their job. I also had the opportunity to model several lovely fashions which were so beautiful, I ended up purchasing! Thanks go out to exceptional UWW Student Co-Chairs Erin Lasenby and Alyxis Flaggs for organizing the entire event!

Partnerships that are ongoing in our community are priceless. In addition to Tapper’s Jewelry donation, the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of  Commerce recently donated over $200 to our academic athletes through funds raised at their Art Auction. The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield and Keego Harbor Optimist Club both hold a holiday party for students in our area to insure that everyone will have a celebration this year. There is a visit from Santa, along with entertainment which this year will come from Orchard Lake Middle School Viking Voices directed by April Tini at West Bloomfield’s celebration. After that, lunch is served to students and parents, and Santa has a gift for every student, through the generosity of the Optimists Clubs.

SNOWMAN PINS STILL AVAILABLE THROUGH DECEMBER 17!

The 2010 Snowman Pins are still available for $10 now through December 17.  Our Children’s Fund Holiday Help program sponsored the 15^th Annual Showman Pin contest and Yuri Takubo, Green Elementary 4^th grader submitted the winning watercolor design that can be seen in the latest edition of the Laker. The money raised will purchase Target gift cards to be given to needy WBSD families during the holidays. Last year over $15,000 in gift certificates were given to 225 students and their families through this great program. You can purchase a pin through any WBSD school office, ACS Special Services office and the WB Township cashier. Contact Randi Sakwa at randisb@yahoo.com for more information.

Our Children’s Fund GIFT CARDS 

Please consider a contribution to Our Children’s Fund, which helps district families meet emergency needs throughout the school year, as a way to thank your student’s teachers or other staff members.  Gift cards are available individually for $5, or attractively packaged in bundles of 5 for $25, and can be purchased through your school office and social workers. Contact Randi Sakwa at randisb@yahoo.com for more information.

Holiday entertainment!

The West Bloomfield High School Choir Concert will take place at 7:00 pm next Tuesday at the high school auditorium. Senior citizens, don’t forget to use your Senior Gold Cards to attend any of our events free of charge. Continue to monitor our website at www.wbsd.org for sports and entertainment events  throughout the year.

Community

Partnerships that are ongoing in our community are priceless. In addition to Tapper’s Jewelry donation, the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of  Commerce recently donated over $200 to our academic athletes through funds raised at their Art Auction. The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield and Keego Harbor holds a holiday party for students in our area to insure that everyone will have a celebration this year. There is a visit from Santa, along with entertainment which this year will come from Orchard Lake Middle School Viking Voices directed by April Tini at West Bloomfield’s celebration. After that, lunch is served to students and parents, and Santa has a gift for every student, through the generosity of the Optimists Clubs.

PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES:

COFFEE TALK - Join us at our January and February Coffee Talks as we discuss the future of the West Bloomfield School District.

January 6, Coffee Talk, Abbott, 7:00 pm

January 12, Coffee Talk, West Bloomfield Main Library, 9:30 am

February 3, Coffee Talk, Orchard Lake Middle School, 7:00 pm

February 24, Coffee Talk, Scotch, 9:30 am

January 16, 2011 – 17^th , 3:00 – 6:30 pm

Annual United We Walk, Community Walk and Celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. This year’s theme is United We Remember and Move Forward. The Walk will take place at 3:00, and Whole Foods has donated delicious hot soup and bread, with other food to warm us up after the walk. The program will begin at 4:30 with our keynote Speakers this year Judge Denise Langford Morris who will talk about “How Justice Has Gotten Us Here”, and Attorney Richard Bernstein who will speak to “Where Justice Can Take Us”.  The celebration will conclude with a candlelight vigil at 6:00 pm.

January 19 – WBHS Auditorium, 7-9 pm, PCN (Parent Communication Network)

Join me at our next district wide PCN meeting as we present Beyond Internet Safety. This is a message every parent MUST hear, so please come, bring neighbors, friends and family members.

Topics to be covered are:

• Cyberbullying
• Sexting
• Living in a Web 2.0 world
• Protecting your identity and privacy issues

Featured presenters will be:

Frank Hoffman, an attorney and parent

Matt Roth, United States Department of Justice

West Bloomfield Police Department representative

Gary Weisserman, Oakland Early College

Shaindle Braunstein, Director of David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Center and parent

Dr. Neil Currie, Directory of Technology, West Bloomfield School District

January 19 – OCSBA Oakland County School Boards Association presents Tim Skubick, author and producer of Michigan Public television’s Off The Record and the longest serving member of the state capitol press corps. He will focus on the new landscape in Lansing and what changes to expect in education. He will also provide advice on how to best navigate through the new landscapes school communities advocate for their students.

This presentation will take place at 7:30 pm at the Ferndale School District Board Office,

2920 Burdette, Ferndale.  

RSVP to Connie Birkle by January 10, 2011 at connie.birkle@oakland.k12.mi.us or call 248-209-2517.

January 31 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford

Parents and Community Members, please join me at a special presentation “Redesigning a Culture of Learning” featuring Alan November. Alan November, recognized internationally as a leader in education technology, has guided schools, government organizations and industry leaders as they plan to improve quality with technology.

In this special presentation, Alan will explore what essential questions and planning processes are needed to prepare our students to have a global work ethic, and how to turn our classrooms into global communication centers.

He will share his work on redesigning the culture of teaching and learning with concrete tools, websites and ideas that educators, parents and community members can take and use with students to create a more empowered authentic model of learning. For information, contact Larry Thomas at 248-209-2297.

Have a great weekend!

Talk Sup't. November 12, 2010

The latest Update from Rick Simonson,
Consultant for the Hold Harmless Districts
(As taken from Rick’s report)

As Rick predicted, all of the Lansing leaders he suggested last week would prevail did so this week in leadership elections.  Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) will be the new speaker of the house.  Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) will be new senate majority leader, Sen. Whitmer (D-East Lansing) and Rep. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris) will lead the democratic caucuses in the two chambers.

Our GOP friends in the senate have all expressed priorities other than chairing the K-12 appropriations subcommittee, so it appears the senator from Traverse City is likely to chair the committee -- not good news.  Efforts are underway to convince our HH friends to seek appointment to the other positions on the subcommittee.

Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham) will be the new chair of the House Appropriations Committee.  All of his districts are Hold Harmless (HH), so that should give some hope.  It is highly unlikely an HH friend will chair the K-12 subcommittee there as well due to other priorities.

Initial movement may occur today on the federal funds issue at committee level.  Oakland Schools' Judy Allen has been working with the appropriations leadership advancing the plan that HH leaders supported last week, i.e. go with the 2X formula for the fed funds ONLY if that measure is tied to a state supplemental to assure all districts receive $154 pp and the vetoed funds for ISDs are restored.  Once again, the governor would be forced to take it or leave it and no artificial letter from D.C. could be used for cover.

The House and Senate are both expected to recess until after Thanksgiving when business is concluded this week.

LAKER

The new edition of the Laker is online and also printed. It will be in the buildings on Monday, and will be in your mailboxes inside the Beacon on Wednesday, if you live in West Bloomfield. It’s packed with events and news that are just a part of what makes this such a great school district.

Check out the online version at:

http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/201011Laker.web.pdf

MARCHING BAND

I wish our Marching Band the best of luck this weekend as they appear at the Bands of America Grand National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis! This will be their third consecutive appearance at nationals after finishing 17^th and 21^st IN THE NATION the last two seasons! I attended their performance at Ford Field last Saturday, where they placed fifth in the MCBA’s State Championship and they were phenomenal. This is the 5^th straight year that the Laker Marching Band has finished in the top 5 at State Finals, thanks to the direction of Art Ebert, Sarah Ebert, Andrew Markworth and Andy Ebert.

THEATERI also saw the performance last week of Flowers for Algernon stage play at West Bloomfield High School starring Tom Lee and Rachel Brett along with over one hundred students who acted or participated in the technical crew for the show. The play was wonderful and the actors were first class professionals! Congratulations on a great show!

I want to extend my best wishes to all of the fall athletes who are competing in state competitions as well!

DON'T MISS THESE UPCOMING EVENTS!

Performing Arts on Thursday, November 18, 2010, 7:00 pm, OLMS 7th/8^th grades will present their Musical Theater Show at the Orchard Lake Middle School cafeteria
7:00 PM

HARRY POTTER - Thursday, November 18^th

See the new movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, BEFORE it is released to the public! Support our district and the WBEF by attending this movie at the Emagine Theater in Novi. Limited tickets are available and can be ordered online at http://www.wbcommed.org/ or at the Community Education office at ACS.

UNITED WE WALK in STYLE, Fashion Show and Gold Event – Saturday, November 20, 2:00 pm

Come to the Orchard Mall next Saturday and exchange all of your old gold broken chains and single earrings and get the full market value from Tapper’s Jewelry. Gold is over $1400 an ounce right now, so this could give you some additional shopping money for the holidays! In addition, Tapper’s will donate 10% of the amount of your exchange to the West Bloomfield School District Fine Arts Program and United We Walk. Small flyers are available in the mall to bring in with you so be sure to mention West Bloomfield School District. Exchange any time on Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm.

Who’ll be West Bloomfield’s Next Top Model?

There will be a Fashion Show at 2:00 in the Center Court of Orchard Mall with students, teachers, and community members modeling fashions from Eleganza Boutique, Guys N Gals, Sally’s Designs, Maria’s Bridal and Bricker Tunis Furs, with tickets at the event for just $5. Come and see West Bloomfield Police Sgt. Tara Kane, OEC’s Gary Weisserman, Gretchko Principal Sally Drummond and many West Bloomfield High School students as they strut their stuff down the runway. Yours truly will also be promoting the lovely fashions from our local boutiques, so come and support our event and our schools!

Dine at Olga’s on November 16 from 10:30 am – 10:00 pm

Olga’s will donate a percentage of your bill to United We Walk. Contact us for a flyer to bring in to the restaurant. Olga’s is located at 6655 Orchard Lake Road, southeast corner of Maple.

Elementary Conferences

Parents mark your calendars. Conferences will be held on December 8th and 9^th. Contact your child’s school for information.

National Honors Induction Ceremony will be held Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at West Bloomfield High School Auditorium at 7:00 PM.

SNOWMAN PINS ON SALE NOW!

The 2010 Snowman Pin has arrived through Our Children’s Fund Holiday Help program who has sponsored the 15^th Annual Showman Pin contest. Ten Honorable Mentions, 3 Runners-up and one Winner were chosen from hundreds of wonderful entries sent in by 8 of our schools. Yuri Takubo, Green Elementary 4^th grader submitted the winning watercolor design, that can be seen in the new edition of the Laker. Green Art teacher Sean Wightman helped to direct Yuri with her artistic endeavor! Snowman pins will be sold for $10 through December 17^th, and the money raised will purchase Target gift cards to be given to needy WBSD families during the holidays. Last year over $15,000 in gift certificates were given to 225 students and their families the rough this great program. You can purchase a pin through any WBSD school office, ACS Special Services office and the WB Township cashier. Contact Randi Sakwa at randisb@yahoo.com for more information

Have a great weekend!