Talk Sup't. 3/25/2011

Talk Sup’t. - 3/25/2011

Congratulations!

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

I am so proud and excited to announce that the WBHS Student Leadership Class AND the WBHS Student Government have just been awarded the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals/Michigan Association of Student Councils HIGHEST AWARD, THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. Student Leadership scored the state's FIRST PERFECT SCORE!

If you see our student leaders today or next week, please congratulate them!  Two of our students, Mac Coddington and Becca Miller will be presenting our "Random Acts of Kindness" project to students from around the state at the MASC State Conference this weekend and seven of our students will be in Traverse City to accept our awards!

STATE DECA COMPETITION

70 Marketing students attended the State DECA Competition and won 101 awards over the weekend! 45 of those 70 students earned State Finalist awards including 29 moving on to represent Michigan at the National Competition in Orlando, Florida. Every one of the students should be congratulated for the fine way they represented West Bloomfield during the 3 day conference. Best wishes to those students in Orlando! Thanks to Jerry Whitlock and our exceptional Marketing Department for making us proud!

MSBOA

Our bands continue to shine and it is with great pleasure that I share the following news from Director of Orchestras, Linda Trotter. This past weekend, the WBHS Symphonic String Orchestra competed in the MSBOA Orchestra Festival where they received top ratings; a 1st Division.  This now makes them eligible to compete at States. 

The Concert String Orchestra also competed at the MSBOA Orchestra Festival and received a Second Division Rating. Congratulations!!

OPTIMIST ESSAY CONTEST

Congratulations to the students who won and delivered their essays at the Keego Harbor Optimist Club Essay Contest. They are all from Abbott Middle School and they did a fantastic job of delivering their essays in which they contemplated the phrase “How My Education is the Key to a Successful Future” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for 2011.

The winners were:  1^st Place Bridget Farmer;  7^th grade, 2^nd Place Serena Mansour 7^th grade;  3^rd Place Parker Jacobs 6^th grade. Congratulations to all of those who participated as well!

In addition, Bridget Farmer’s essay will be sent to the district to be judged with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. College scholarships are available for top winners at the district level. The winner of the district competition will be sent to the international level contest. “Bridget did a wonderful job presenting her essay on the topic posed to her,” Club President and West Bloomfield High School Principal Tom Shelton said. “The members of our Optimist Club have no doubt that all three students have a bright future ahead of them.”

SOLAR ARRAY

An article in the Detroit Free Press this week highlighted Alternative Energy projects in several metro Detroit area schools and it highlighted our Solar Array Panel and Josh Barclay who spearheaded the project. Note a correction to this article that our array is actually 3.44 kW and the price is actually $45,000.  It is the largest TRACKING array of its kind and we will be getting figures on how much energy it is generating soon.

You can read the article in its entirety at

http://www.freep.com/article/20110320/NEWS05/103200493/Alternative-energy-projects-switch-several-metro-Detroit-schools

NEGOTIATIONS

The Administration officially met with the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA), the Union that represents the Teachers of the district, yesterday on March 24.

The Board of Education is committed to keeping fiscal responsibility. There has been no significant progress and no new date has been set as of this writing. We will continue to keep you informed when a new date is scheduled.

LEGISLATION – Take Action!

The administration's K-12 funding proposal is being debated in the Senate and House school aid committees.   It contains a cut in public K-12 public educational funding which would be the largest in memory and would be occurring at a time that the S.A.F. has enough money to provide a $200 per student increase to every student in the state. The cut to public K-12 schools would be -7.3% and would actually be -10.3% if the increase in the retirement obligation is taken in to account -this cut in educational funding would be 5 times greater in actual loss dollar amounts than any other budget area, would be tied for the largest on a percentage basis and would be occurring at the same time that corrections, attorney general's office, veterans affairs, treasury, natural resources, environmental quality, technology and transportation budgets were all receiving increases in funding from the State.

A failure to convince your elected officials that the S.A.F. is only for public K-12 schooling will mean drastic cuts to student programs in every school at levels never seen before in our state.  It isn't the school aid fund that has a deficit.  Stop the Raid!

We ask that you take the following actions in week 10:

 1.      Send a letter to Senate and House education committee members.  While these members may not be your local legislators, they will have a role in determining potential funding in your district.  Click here to be directed to an action alert where you can write them and tell your story.

 2.      Forward this message to your key communicator list.

3.       Visit gomasa.org/stop-the-raid.org for more information.

TODAY’S NEWS

In an article by Lori Higgins today in the Detroit Free Press, “150 Michigan School Systems on Verge of Going Broke”, you can see how districts across the state are reducing costs and trying to transform the way that they do business, yet teetering on the edge of going broke even before the Governor’s proposed cuts. To read the entire article on www.freep.com, go to:

http://www.freep.com/article/201103250300/NEWS05/103250375

Metro Detroit school districts fearful of being taken over by emergency financial managers

In a related article, Higgins focuses on concerns that under the new emergency financial manager law that Gov. Rick Snyder signed last week, districts could be on a list of those that could be taken over because of their  deficits that are growing.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110325/NEWS05/103250377

Budget Cuts Hitting Deeper in Districts Nationwide

And throughout the nation, school districts are all facing the same budget short fall. It’s becoming more uncommon to find a district without financial problems now and in spite of resilience in school communities, it is becoming more and more difficult to decide where to make cuts.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/03/25/26districts_ep.h30.html?tkn=UXRFseZwZpOV4X0drqdMzwiaQ4VVFk%2FL9zCR&cmp=clp-edweek

                              

SOC

Applications for School Of Choice continue to be accepted at this time now through March 30 for Kindergarten -3^rd grade with very limited openings in grades 2-3. The lottery will be held on April 13. Schools of Choice deadline for grades 10, 11, 12 at Oakland Early College is April 14.

THIS WEEKEND

I saw the Wizard of Oz last night performed by the Orchard Lake Middle School Theatre and it was phenomenal! As Director Janey Compton and Music Director April Tini promised us, this is ‘not your mother’s Wizard of Oz’! Thanks to the original scene that was added and written by Max Vinogradov, Sean Wigler and Benjamin Reinheimer (members of the cast) this play really DID have a twist! You can still catch it tonight at West Bloomfield High School at 7:00 pm. This is a great family experience – kids and seniors alike LOVED IT. For tickets email Renee Floer at reneefloer@sbcglobal.net or Tickets are available at the door for $10.

Saturday!! Lots going on at the high school! While the 5^th grades from all schools will be playing Intramural basketball in a round robin format, the halls will be busy with the Community Education Summer Camp Fair from 11 am to 2 pm, and moms will be selling slightly used baby and kid items at the Mom-2-Mom Sale.   

At the Camp Fair parents will be able to meet camp instructors and take part in hands-on demonstrations and other activities. There will also be door prizes and someone will win 1 FREE week of camp this summer!

At the Mom-2-Mom Sale, you’ll find clothing, toys, and lots of large ticket items from furniture and strollers to playpens. These sales have been getting bigger and bigger each season and are a great way to save money on great items for kids!

SPORTS

Today, Friday, March 25th, at 4:00 pm the West Bloomfield High School Boys JV Basketball team will be competing against Waterford Mott High School. This is a home event and will be held at the High School. West Bloomfield High School Boys Varsity Basketball team will also be competing against Waterford Mott at West Bloomfield High School and that game will begin at 6:00 PM.

Tonight, the West Bloomfield High School Girls Varsity Soccer team will be facing off against Waterford Mott High School at West Bloomfield High School beginning at 7:00 PM.

MIX AND MINGLE

I want to extend a warm welcome to the new Director of the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, Jules Chapala. If you get a chance next Wednesday morning, March 30 at 8:00 am, stop at the Orchard Mall Center Court for a continental breakfast and introduce yourself to Jules and wish her well in her new position. We work with our community partners in many different ways and thank them for their continuous support. This event is open to all and you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to Jules and also your business to the attendees.

Have a great weekend!!

Talk Sup't. 3/18/2011

Talk Sup’t. - 3/18/2011

Congratulations FOR NATIONAL RECOGNITION!

We are so proud that West Bloomfield School District has been named to the AP^® Achievement List by the College Board for significant gains in Advanced Placement^® Access and Student Performance. Only 388 US public school districts across the nation are honored.

West Bloomfield School District has achieved this by opening AP classroom doors to a significantly broader pool of students, while maintaining or improving the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher. From 2008 to 2010, WBSD has increased the number of students participating in AP from 274 to 385, while improving the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher, the score typically needed to earn college credit. 

I am proud that the strength of our PreK – 12 curriculum has allowed us to receive this distinguished honor. Our minority and socio-economic students’ scores have strengthened our resolve to utilize our APID (Advanced Placement International Diploma) program.

This is a very exciting benchmark for our district!

For the news release linked on our website, please go to http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/AP%20AchievementPress%20Release.pdf

For the award announcement on the college board website, please go to

http://press.collegeboard.org/releases/2011/college-board-honors-4-districts-advanced-placement-district-year-awards

To view the entire list please follow this link:

http://media.collegeboard.com/homeOrg/content/pdf/11b3455%20AP%20District%20Achieve%20FINAL%20WEB-PDF%203-11-11.pdf

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS . . .

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have suffered as a result of the earthquake and resulting Tsunami that have devastated the country of Japan. We have educated many children from Japan in the West Bloomfield School District and we pray for those in our community who have families there and are concerned about their loved ones.

Once again I am proud to say that our West Bloomfield School District buildings have taken it upon themselves to raise funds in various ways in order to make monetary donations for relief in that country. I hope that we will all be kind and thoughtful as we keep all of the families in mind as our concern about Japan grows.

OAKLAND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

There is a resource just added by the OC Health Division to answer community questions about radiation effects. We have posted a Frequently Asked Questions About Japan’s Radiation Events supplied to us from the Oakland County Health Division for your information. It is also posted on the Health Division website at http://www.oakgov.comhealth/.

NEGOTIATIONS

The Administration will officially meet with the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA), the Union that represents the Teachers of the district, on March 24.

The Board of Education is committed to keeping fiscal responsibility. The union has not put anything on the table that would generate a significant amount to meet the district’s needs or allow us to reach an agreement.

LEGISLATION

We had a great opportunity to speak with our legislators on Wednesday evening at our PCN meeting at WB High School, as Representative Lisa Brown and Senator Mike Kowall joined us at our PCN – MEET AND GREET YOUR LEGISLATORS evening. It is a comfort to know that we are well represented in Lansing and that parents have the opportunity to follow up with these legislators to make the appropriate connections in Lansing to address issues that impact education funding. We hope you will continue to monitor the events as they fight for more education dollars to come our way.
A link to our legislators' contact emails, addresses and phone numbers is on our homepage at
http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/Legislators%20Contact2010-2011.pdf

SOC

Applications for School Of Choice continue to be accepted at this time now through March 30 for Kindergarten -3^rd grade with very limited openings in grades 2-3. The lottery will be held on April 13.

EARLY CHILDHOOD OPEN HOUSE

Nearly 90 families toured our Community Education Preschool Academy Open House on Wednesday held at Ealy Elementary and at ACS. The Open House was well attended as parents visited model classrooms and potential preschoolers explored the new environment, jumped in Bouncers, read books and played with educational toys while their parents registered on-site for next fall. We welcome all of our new preschoolers and look forward to seeing them in the classrooms this fall!

Have a great weekend!!

Talk Sup't. March 11, 2011

Talk Sup’t. - 3/11/2011

Congratulations!

Senior Avery Hasenauer – Wrestling

Check out our new local online newspaper, the West Bloomfield Patch. They have begun a weekly feature on Wednesday spotlighting Whiz Kids, kids who are ‘successful, talented and just plain awesome’. This week’s Whiz Kids is senior Avery Hasenauer, who placed sixth in the individual wrestling finals last week.

The Green Power of One – What Can *I* do?

The LWVOA (League of Women Voters of Oakland) sponsored a contest to create a Public Service Announcement to emphasize the opportunities and responsibility of each individual to conserve energy.

Students Shelby Bruseloff, Allie Ravid, Nikhil Mankuzhy, Kara Brody and Kelly Giuliani have won SECOND PLACE in the TV category.

Their PSA (Public Service Announcement) will be shown on March 31 at 7 pm at the WB Public Library as they receive their award from LWVOA, and later on several TV stations. Watch for it!!

NEGOTIATIONS

The Administration met with the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA), the Union that represents the Teachers of the district, on March 8.

The Board of Education is committed to keeping fiscal responsibility. The union has not put anything on the table that would generate a significant amount to meet the district’s needs or allow us to reach an agreement. We have another negotiation session scheduled with the mediator for March 24. There may be a session before then without a mediator. We will keep you informed.

You may view the Deficit Elimination Plan at http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/DeficitEliminationPlan.pdf

COFFEE TALK

Last night at our Coffee Talk at Orchard Lake Middle School, Tom Goulding presented our current financial status and what the Governor’s budget proposal will mean to our funding. 


Differing voices were able to express their positions on all matters of cost cutting.

As has been our practice, Dr. Robert Martin asks all those who attend the Coffee Talks to place suggestions on Post-It notes and apply them to a large sheet divided between Reductions and Non-Negotiable items. All of the suggestions that have been generated from our Coffee Talks are being compiled and will be posted online soon.

Our next step is going to be to establish an online survey of these suggestions so that all members of the community can see the input and the cost cutting measures that have come to the attention of the board.

With this level of communication, these are the voices that we want to help our district to help us move forward. We have the responsibility to help our students to be the best IN and FOR the world.

Tom Goulding attended Fridays’ morning’s legislative breakfast and summarized these comments and suggestions that were made from and to the legislators that were present:

·       Plan on, at least for right now, the $470.00/pupil reduction in the foundation allowance. The legislators indicated they are trying to lessen the blow but for the time being plan on the full amount.

·       The robbing of state aid for community colleges and universities drew considerable discussion>The superintendents felt that if this funding goes through then community colleges and universities should be under the same disclosure and transparency requirements as local school districts. Several superintendents also expressed that they would no longer support community college millage elections if school funding for same is approved. There was also talk of a possible legal challenge but that could take years. We also had lively discussion regarding the true intent of Proposal A, which was to fund K-12 and not higher education.

·       There were ideas that suggested, and in light of the state controlling school funding, that we ego to a state-wide compensation plan for all public school employees and indexed to regional cost differences around the state and further do the same with state-wide healthy insurance. We also told legislators that if you want school district consolidation, then, mandate it.

·       All of this being said, the following is another update on where we might be pending a final state budget:

• Per pupil reduction                           $         470/pupil
• Pension increase                                          230/pupil
• Sp. Ed.  PA-18 Reduction                             152/pupil
• Total per pupil                                 $          852/pupil
• Total Dollars                                    $5,803,824

·       We also expect approval of the EFM bill (Emergency Financial Manager) and also the bill that would restrict payment of step increases and health insurance premium increase until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.

You can view Tom Goulding’s PowerPoint presentation at

http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/Budget%20Coffee%20Talk%202011.pdf

PCN – MEET AND GREET YOUR LEGISLATORS

(Parent Communication Network)

The next PCN meeting will be held at West Bloomfield High School on Wednesday evening , March 16 at 7:00 pm. This is a Meet and Greet Your Legislators with Senator Mike Kowall and Representative Lisa Brown who will be there to hear your opinions on the state of our budget. The severity of the proposed cuts from Lansing could devastate school districts like West Bloomfield. If a difference is to be made it will be at the legislative level. Please join us to hear what our legislators have to share with us.

SOC

Applications for School Of Choice are being accepted at this time now through March 30 for Kindergarten -3^rd grade with very limited openings in grades 2-3. The lottery will be held on April 13.

MARCH IS READING MONTH AT EALY

Come to Ealy next Tuesday Wednesday or Thursday and for just fifty cents, you can sit on the Reading Throne during their Read-A-Thon Marathon and read a story to students. Pick any day to read from March 15 - 17, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm, and help keep the Throne occupied all day!

Ready, get set, read! Ealy Elementary students are celebrating March is Reading Month by participating in activities keeping with the theme of "Run With a Good Book ... Exercise Your Mind!”. Each week, students are logging their daily reading and earning "classroom miles" for time spent reading at home. Other highlights of the month include PTO sponsored Pajamas and Cookies Read-in, Spirit Days, All School Reading Bingo, a classroom door decorating contest, and a USED book sale.

I encourage parents to teach their children to engage in all reading opportunities. The pay-off is worth it!

SOS CAMPAIGN – YOUR DONATION STILL MATTERS!

This year the foundation is asking for the same commitment of $1/day for each student or any amount with which you are comfortable.  Please go to our website at  www.wbef.org to make your online donation. The WBEF focus for the 2010-2011 academic year is on the purchase of specific textbooks, adding technology and supporting the Arts.  This year you may earmark your donation where you feel the need is greatest.

If you have any questions regarding the campaign, please contact the foundation at info@wbef.org. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at www.wbef.org or by sending checks payable to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation, 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI. 48324. 

EARLY CHILDHOOD OPEN HOUSE

On Wednesday, March 16, West Bloomfield Community Education Preschool Academy will be  holding an Open House from 4:00 – 6:30 pm at Ealy Elementary and at our ACS Building at Hiller and Commerce. Come visit us or tell your neighbors about our Preschool that is celebrating 25 years. There will be a model classroom with refreshments, drawings for prizes, fun activities for the kids and registration on-site. Stop in and see what our Preschool Academy is all about.

Have a GREAT WEEKEND!

Talk Sup't. February 24, 2011

Talk Sup’t. - 2/24/2011

NEGOTIATIONS

The Administration met with the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA), the Union that represents the Teachers of the district, yesterday, Thursday February 24 for 5 hours.

Concepts discussed still do not generate the level of savings the district needs to assist in addressing our current financial status. Correction from last week’s Talk Sup/t: They will meet again on March 8 and NOT on March 3 as reported last week.

You may view the Deficit Elimination Plan at http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/DeficitEliminationPlan.pdf

COFFEE TALK

Yesterday at our Coffee Talk at Scotch Elementary, Tom Goulding presented our current financial status and what the Governor’s budget proposal will mean to our funding.

The Governor’s K-12 Budget Proposal will have disastrous consequences for Michigan’s K-12 school districts if approved by the state legislature.

His plan reduces the 2011-12 foundation grant by $470 per pupil and increases the retirement rate from 20.66% to 24.46% for 2011-12, $230/pupil impact, and to 27.37% for 2012-13.  Total reduction per pupil and including the pension rate increase is approximately $700.00 and represents over $4.7 million for West Bloomfield.

His plan maintains funding for special ed., at-risk, adult education, voc. ed., and early childhood but eliminates $85 million in categorical grants including bilingual ed. For 2012-13, sets aside $300 million that will be available for districts whose employees share in health insurance costs comparable to that of state employees.

This proposal is a direct hit on K-12 education and the original intent of Proposal A which voters approved to adequately fund their public schools.  Now the governor has disinvested in K-12 to aid community colleges and universities. It is estimated that $196 million of state aid will go to community colleges and $700 million to universities for a total of $896 million if his budget proposal is approved.

Please contact your legislators and the governor and do not give them a free pass to once again deplete the school aid fund at the expense of K-12 education.

Senator Mike Kowall

517-373-1758 Phone       517-373-0938 Fax

Post Office Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536

SenMKowall@senate.michigan.gov

State Representative Lisa Brown

517-373-1799 Phone             517-373-8361 Fax

lisabrown@house.mi.gov

Representative Gail Haines

P.O. Box 30014

Lansing, MI  48909-7514

517-373-0615 Phone     517-373-7512  Fax

e-mail:  gailhaines@house.mi.gov

Representative Chuck Moss

P.O. Box 30014

Lansing, MI  48909-7514

517-373-8670 Phone    

e-mail:  chuckmoss@house.mi.gov

You can view Tom Goulding’s PowerPoint presentation at

http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/Budget%20Coffee%20Talk%202011.pdf

The next Coffee Talk will be held on March 10 at 7:00 pm at OLMS.  Please join us as this is a chance to share your concerns with us to take to the Board for decisions regarding drafting our final budget. After this last Coffee Talk, we will have an online survey opportunity to weigh in on reductions for the 2011-12 school year. We will look for feedback on the programs that will be selected, staff reductions and consolidations that may have to occur. We will make you aware of the results of the survey in the latter part of March.

PCN

The next PCN (Parent Communication Network) meeting will be held at West Bloomfield High School. Thisa a Meet and Greet Your Legislators. Senator Mike Kowall and Representative will be here to hear your opinions on the state of our budget. The severity of the proposed cuts from Lansing could devastate school districts like West Bloomfield. If a difference is to be made it will be at the legislative level. 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Dreams Really Do Come True! Through the generosity of BestSource Credit Union, one teacher from each of our buildings has won a gift card for their classroom.

Thank you to all who entered their wishes for Teacher Appreciation! We appreciate all you do every day for our youth. The following wishes were selected from each school:

Claudette Daniels - Doherty Elementary

Lisa Earley - Green Elementary

Tricia Bairski - Gretchko Elementary

Julie Baeten - Roosevelt Elementary

Annalisa Franks - Scotch Elementary

Hannah Hanschu - Abbott Middle School

Kimberly Rose - Orchard Lake Middle School

Josh Barclay - West Bloomfi eld High School

Lisa Maddalena - Oakland Early College

BestSource Credit Union has two locations in West Bloomfield and Waterford. We want to thank them for their generosity to our teachers and their classrooms.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Sophomore Allison Kohl and Junior Ashley Lustig, competed in the synchronized skating Spring Cup Competition in Milan, Italy last week and they won a Silver Medal for Team USA! Kudos to both of you and thank you for making us proud!

MARCH IS READING MONTH AT EALY

Ready, get set, read! Ealy Elementary School students will celebrate March is Reading Month by participating in activities keeping with the theme of "Run With a Good Book ... Exercise Your Mind!”. Each week, students will log their daily reading and earn "classroom miles" for time spent reading at home. On Friday, March 11, at 2:00 pm, Daren DeCavitte, motivational speaker from the New Balance Footwear store in Farmington Hills, will address the importance of fitness and its connection with reading. Other highlights of the month include PTO sponsored Pajamas and Cookies Read-in, Spirit Days, All School Reading Bingo, a classroom door decorating contest, and a USED book sale.

Ealy will also host a Read-a-thon Marathon from March 15 - March 17, from 8:30 - 2:30, where students, staff and guests can make a small donation and read on the Ealy Reading Throne during this 72 hour event! Ealy students and staff hope to keep the throne occupied at all times during the school day.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Tuesday, March 1

Junior and Senior Students will be taking the MERIT Exams and are the only students to report to class. There will be NO SCHOOL for all other students. This will be a Professional Development Day where teachers will be working on Common Core Standards and Teaching Strategies with Oakland Schools.

DISTRICT ENTERTAINMENT

TONIGHT AND TOMORROW: “13 – THE MUSICAL”

Abbott Middle School Musical Theatre will present the local premiere of the only all teenage show ever to hit Broadway at West Bloomfield High School February 25 & 26, 2011.

With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, "13" is a high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.

The Abbott Musical: 13 The Musical performances will take place:

Friday February 25 - 7:00PM

Saturday February 26 - 2:00PM

Saturday February 26 - 7:00PM

The musical will be held in the WBHS Auditorium. Tickets are now available at the door.

Seats are reserved, and tickets are $11.

SOS CAMPAIGN – YOUR DONATION MATTERS

In 2010, the campaign’s initial year, parents and supporters sent a strong message of how important our schools are by contributing thousands of dollars to the WBEF.  These funds were used to purchase technological equipment, musical instruments, textbooks and science kits.

This year the foundation is asking for the same commitment of $1/day for each student or any amount with which you are comfortable.  Your donation can be made yearly by check or credit card or monthly by credit card.  The WBEF focus for the 2010-2011 academic year is on the purchase of specific textbooks, adding technology and supporting the Arts.  The goal is 100% participation and this year you may earmark your donation where you feel the need is greatest.

If you have any questions regarding the campaign, please contact the foundation at info@wbef.org. 

Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at http://www.wbef.org/ or by sending checks payable to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation, 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI. 48324. 

EARLY CHILDHOOD OPEN HOUSE AND OPEN ENROLLMENT

The West Bloomfield Preschool Academy is hosting their annual Open Enrollment and Open House on March 16, 2011 from 4:00-6:30 PM at ACS and Ealy Elementary.  Parents may choose from a variety of programs to meet the needs of three and four year olds: Junior Kindergarten, Stepping Stones, new 5-half days morning class for 4 year olds only, and our traditional half-day preschool programs.    There will be registration on site, a model classroom, drawings, refreshments and fun activities for little ones to participate in. 

Next fall, we are increasing the traditional preschool day from two and half hours to three hours a day. This additional thirty minutes will provide extra, valuable time for children to experience all the components of a quality preschool day: large group time, small group time (centers), free play (the work-time of a preschooler), snack, and large-motor movement time.  Students will enjoy a non-rushed learning experience in our nurturing preschool environment.  Parents should also know that our preschool program enjoys a thirty-five week school year as compared to programs in neighboring districts that run for only thirty weeks. 

If you would like a personal tour of our program, contact the Community Education office at 248-865-6460.

LAKER NEWSLETTER!
The New February Laker should have been in your mailbox on Wednesday tucked inside the Beacon newspaper. Check out our Arts celebration throughout this issue along with news on students’ accomplishments and happenings in our school district. We continue to shine!

Talk Sup't. 2-17-2011

Talk Sup’t. - 2/17/2011

FACT FINDING REPORT

The Administration has met with the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA), the Union that represents
the Teachers of the district, on January 7, January 19, and just this week on February 1, 2011 with a mediator present. Each meeting has lasted from 2-4 hours. The next meetings will be on February 24 and March 3.
There are no new developments to report at this time.  

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

PCN

PCN met on February 16 at 10:00 am at Roosevelt Elementary as PCN (Parent Communication Network) presented "Innovative Initiatives in Math, Science, English Language Arts
and Social Studies K-12”. Our presenters were Margaret Hendrickson, District Math/Science Curriculum Specialist and Kim Muncie, District ELA/Social Studies Curriculum Specialist. Parents  walked away with a working knowledge of the new National Common Core Standards initiative.  Our presenters offered our
West Bloomfield response as we implement these standards and work collaboratively with districts throughout the county as we move the work forward.

Mark your calendar! Our following PCN meeting will be held on March 16^th at
7:00 pm at West Bloomfield High School Media Center. Join us for a “Meet and Greet”
our new Michigan State Senator Mike Kowall from  the 15th district along with
State Representative Lisa Brown who will answer your questions regarding education in our state.

COFFEE TALKS

Join us for coffee and conversation at our next Coffee Talk Thursday, February 24, 2011
at 9:30 am at Scotch Elementary School. Please join me and Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations, Tom Goulding who will update you on the budget and invite you to give your input. Ass't. Superintendent for Human Resources and Labor Relations,
Mr. Rick Arnett will answer questions regarding Labor Relations.

The next Coffee Talk is scheduled for 7:00 pm on March 10 at Orchard Lake Middle School in the Media Center.

DISTRICT ENTERTAINMENT

You can indulge in activities almost every evening during the week including swimming, diving and basketball and hockey right now. Seniors can enjoy any of our many activities for free by using our Senior Gold Cards, available to anyone living in our district age 65 and up. These cards can be obtained at any one of our school buildings.

“13 – THE MUSICAL”

Abbott Middle School Musical Theatre will present the local premiere of the only all teenage show ever to hit Broadway at West Bloomfield High School February 25 & 26, 2011.

This is a grown-up story about growing up, which I had the pleasure of enjoying a ‘teaser’ at our Keego Harbor Optimist meeting a few weeks ago. The Abbott Middle School students performed several numbers from this hilarious musical and they were over the top! In fact, they were so good that word got out and now they will be repeating the performance for the West Bloomfield Optimist Club on February 15.

When his parents get divorced and he's forced to move from New York to a small town in Indiana, Evan Goldman just wants to make friends and survive the school year.  Easier said than done.  The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life and his only friend, Patrice, won't talk to him. The school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumors.

With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, "13" is a high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.

The Abbott Musical: 13 The Musical performances will take place:

Friday February 25 - 7:00PM

Saturday February 26 - 2:00PM

Saturday February 26 - 7:00PM

The musical will be held in the WBHS Auditorium. Get your tickets now, as I expect sold-out performances! It was THAT GOOD.

Seats are reserved, and $11* tickets are available through www.showtix4u.com or by calling Hanna Hanschu at WBHS 248-865-6720 X 6811.

Impact of State Budget Cuts on the
West Bloomfield School District

February 17, 2011

Information released today has confirmed our fears that Governor Rick Snyder is proposing cuts to K-12 education that, if enacted, are devastating to say the least.

What Is Proposed:

A per pupil cut of $470 per pupil and this cut is on top of the expected increase in the pension rate.  We have heard estimates in the 25% to 27% range, but even if it only grew to 24.5%, that’s equal to about a $230 per pupil increase.  An early rough estimate of what this might mean if these estimates are realized is districts could be facing a potential reduction of $700 per pupil.

Needless to say, these proposed cuts and the effect of the retirement rate increase are huge and are much worse than have been in the recent past, especially when you add in other issues such as rising health insurance rates and declining enrollment.

What Is The Potential Impact On West Bloomfield:

A cut of this magnitude, $700 per pupil, would mean approximately $4.7 million and 6.7% of the district’s current operating revenue.  And this cut would be on top of the current year deficit estimated at $2.9 million.

What’s Next:

We need to start preparing for the worst, but are just at the beginning of a long and contentious process.  Hopefully, Michigan’s children will not be “left behind” by an administration that has indicated education of our young people is important.  We urge everyone to contact their legislators immediately regarding this devastation to K-12 education.

SOS CAMPAIGN

In light of Governor Snyder’s proposed budget, recommending additional cuts to public education, the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation’s Save Our School Campaign is more important than ever. In 2010, the campaign’s initial year, parents and supporters sent a strong message of how important our schools are by contributing thousands of dollars to the WBEF.  These funds were used to purchase technological equipment, musical instruments, textbooks and science kits.

This year the foundation is asking for the same commitment of $1/day for each student or any amount with which you are comfortable.  Your donation can be made yearly by check or credit card or monthly by credit card.  The WBEF focus for the 2010-2011 academic year is on the purchase of specific textbooks, adding technology and supporting the Arts.  The goal is 100% participation and this year you may earmark your donation where you feel the need is greatest.

We acknowledge these are challenging times. It will take some sacrifice right here in our own backyard, but we are confident our district and kids will persevere and succeed with your support.  If you have any questions regarding the campaign, please contact the foundation at info@wbef.org. 

Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at http://www.wbef.org/ or by sending checks payable to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation,

5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI. 48324. 

NEGOTIATIONS

Please continue to visit our website for updates as we respond to issues through our Questions and Answers Regarding Negotiations.

This past Tuesday there was an unusually high number of teachers absent at West Bloomfield High School. However, we were prepared and all classes were covered by calling in substitutes and help from other buildings. Students were safe and supervised at all times. Our students were exceptional and we thank them for their cooperation.

BOARD MEETING

There will be a board meeting on Friday, February 18 at WBHS Media Center. There will be a closed session in the Media Conference room from 4:00 – 4:45, with an open session beginning at 4:45 pm.

Please go to our website to address any statements that you believe are rumors or information that you feel is unfounded.