Talk Sup't. January 24, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I want to wish a Happy New Year to all of our Chinese Families! Monday marked the first day of the New Year festivities which will end on February 6.   2012 marks the 4710th Chinese New Year. According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, this is the Year Of The Dragon, which symbolizes power, strength, success, happiness and good luck.

Despite being called the Chinese New Year, the annual holiday is also celebrated by many other Asian cultures including Koreans, Malaysians, Vietnamese, Thai and Singaporean, so I would like to wish all those in our community who are celebrating, a very happy New Year and one that is blessed with much success, happiness and good luck!

Learn to Love Your Middle Schooler Again!

In honor of Valentines Day, our middle school counselors Felicia Neumann, Lauren Field, Nanci Gelsey and JoAnne Wegrzynowicz are presenting Learn to Love Your Middle Schooler Again! Based on the book How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years by Julie Ross, M.A. Don’t miss this great presentation on February 7 from 9:00-10:00am in the OLMS Media Center. At a time when you may be frustrated with your child, you’ll learn new ways to reconnect with your 6-8^th grader again at this Counselor Coffee Talk!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Our pride and joy on the track, Erin Finn, has been named 2011-12 Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year!
Also Cheers go to our Cheerleaders as the Varsity Cheer finished FIRST PLACE at the Oxford Cheer Invitational.
You all make us so proud!!

IN-DISTRICT TRANSFER OF SCHOOL

Parents requesting an In-District Transfer of School should do so by submitting their request by email to davidson@wbsd.org by February 29, 2012. Please include address and phone number, student’s name, school of attendance, school requested, and reason for the request. For more information you may call 248-865-6453.

Board Meeting January 30

We are listening to our community and trying diligently to respond to the needs of our users.
There will be a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, January 30 at 7:00 pm, in the West Bloomfield High School Media Center. Agendas for board meetings will be available on our website on the Friday before the Monday board meeting after 5:00 pm.  You may go to this link,

http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/wbsd/District/Board-of-Education/Board-Agendas-and-Minutes-197.html

and also to our home page at www.wbsd.org, click on District, then Board Of Education. Agendas and meeting minutes will all be listed there.

MIFA – DAVID’S MOTHER

WBHS MIFA presents David’s Mother as part of its dinner theater on Thursday, February 9, 2012. This is a terrific opportunity to witness the talents of the award-winning MIFA students and the only chance to see them perform locally, at WBHS, this season. The full line-up of the evening begins with a buffet dinner and silent auction, followed by the performance, and concludes with a dessert reception.

            6:30 " 7:30 pm Buffet Dinner and Silent Auction/Raffle WBHS Cafeteria

            7:30 " 8:30 pm Performance of Davids Mother WBHS Auditorium
            8:30 pm Dessert Reception WBHS Cafeteria
All students, parents, teachers and the community-at-large are invited to attend. All inclusive tickets can be purchased for the dinner, performance and dessert reception OR for the performance and reception only.
            Adult Dinner & Show $20
            Child Dinner & Show $10
            Adult Show & Dessert Reception Only $10
            Student/Child Show & Reception Only $ 5

Tickets must be purchased in advance by February 5 and will not be available at the door.
To purchase tickets make a check payable to WBHS MIFA for the correct amount and indicate ticket level and quantity. Mail the check to Ronni Kadian, 5720 Middlebelt Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48322. For more information call 248/910-5794.

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP

This is a reminder that West Bloomfield School District is looking for children to enter kindergarten for the 2012-2013 school year. Eligible children must be five years old by December 1, 2012 to register.
Please note the Roundup dates and times listed below. Please call the school numbers listed for more information.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012:

Doherty Elementary
Molly Funk, Principal
9:30 am -10:30 am,
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Call: 248-865-6020
(Parents and children are scheduled)

Wednesday, January 25, 2012:

Gretchko Elementary
Sally Drummond, Principal
5:30 pm
Call: 248-865-6570

(Parents should bring their kindergarten students)

Monday, January 30, 2012:
Ealy Elementary
Roderick MacNeal, Jr., Principal
6:00 pm
Call: 248-865-6210
Monday, January 30, 2012:
Roosevelt Elementary
Beth Feiten, Principal
7:00 pm
Call: 248-865-6620
Friday, February 3, 2012:
Sheiko Elementary
Robin Kocher, Principal
9:00 am, 10:30 am,
12:30 pm, 1:45 pm
Call: 248-865-6370
(Parents and children are scheduled)

The Battle for Orchard Lake Road RESULTS

Although OLMS won the much contested Basketball game on Friday, January 13,
BOTH Abbott and OLMS were winners just by participating! This was a great evening as the Abbott Eagles took on the OLMS Vikings at West Bloomfield High School. Parents brought their entire families and enjoyed games and fun with all elementary and middle school students, including t-shirt giveaways, and more! The Cheerleaders were phenomenal, and the Community was the true winner as the event brought everyone together for a fun, spirited evening!

18^th Annual UNITED WE WALK

Sunday, January 15 was yet another great United We Walk celebration in honor of the birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2012 theme was "United We Build the Dream", and the entire event consisted of a brisk walk followed by a great presentation and candlelight vigil all held in the auditorium at West Bloomfield High School. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Silas P. Norman, Jr. held the audience’s attention with his deep, timbered voice as he related the time he spent in the 1960’s in the south as a Freedom Rider.

Co-Chairs Brian Flaggs, Kathy Sheiko and David Flaisher as well as Student Co-Chairs Alyxis Flaggs and Olivia Peace worked hard to create a spectacular event and they were successful.

The Viking Voices from OLMS under the direction of April Tini, and accompanied by Marge Haber were incredible. Our own Laker Express opened the show with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner under the direction of Shari Hauk, while our strings orchestra entertained in the atrium led by Linda Trotter. And the dramatic presentation of the Madrigal Chorale led by Dr. Robert Martin, was beautiful and inspiring!

Kudos to all! I have nothing but praise for our Chairs and Co-chairs and the countless other volunteers and committee members for bringing this important event to our district!

THANK YOU -
I want to thank all of you for your kind comments that I have been receiving since the announcement of my retirement over the weekend. I admire all of you so much, and I look forward to the rest of the school year and working with you - and we have MUCH work to do!

Have a great week!

Talk Supt: Talk Sup't. January 6, 2012

Talk Supt: Talk Sup't. January 6, 2012

Talk Sup't. January 6, 2012

Happy New Year and Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful break and are rested and ready to be back. I have been visiting the buildings and I see that all students have returned eager to prepare for final exams!

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP

This is a reminder that West Bloomfield School District is looking for children to enter kindergarten for the 2012-2013 school year. Eligible children must be five years old by December 1, 2012 to register.
Please note the Roundup dates and times listed below. Please call the school numbers listed for more information.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012:

Doherty Elementary
Molly Funk, Principal
9:30 am -10:30 am,
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Call: 248-865-6020
(Parents and children are scheduled)

Wednesday, January 25, 2012:

Gretchko Elementary
Sally Drummond, Principal
5:30 pm
Call: 248-865-6570
(Parents should bring their kindergarten students)

Monday, January 30, 2012:

Ealy Elementary
Roderick MacNeal, Jr., Principal
6:00 pm
Call: 248-865-6210

Monday, January 30, 2012:

Roosevelt Elementary
Beth Feiten, Principal
7:00 pm
Call: 248-865-6620

Friday, February 3, 2012:

Sheiko Elementary
Robin Kocher, Principal
9:00 am, 10:30 am,
12:30 pm, 1:45 pm
Call: 248-865-6370
(Parents and children are scheduled)

 The Battle for Orchard Lake Road

Don’t miss the basketball game next Friday January 13 as the Abbott Eagles take on the OLMS Vikings at West Bloomfield High School. This is the game of the year and don’t be surprised if you see it covered on ESPN! The competition doesn’t get any stronger than this as the 7^th and 8^th grade basketball teams from both middle schools compete for bragging rights. Be sure to bring the family and enjoy games and fun for all elementary and middle school students, t-shirt giveaways, concessions and more!

• Pre-game: K-4 students from all schools invited to form tunnels for team entry ( be there by 5:40)
• 6:00 pm – 7^th Grade Game
• Half time at 7^th Grade game there will be an all 5^th Grade Shoot-Out Competition
• After 7^th Grade game there will be an all Middle School Shoot-Out Competition
• 7:30 pm – 8^th Grade Game

Come hungry and enjoy the concessions! Middle School and High School Administrators will be on hadn to meet parents throughout the evening.

BOOK FAIR!
Don’t forget to go to the Book Fair this weekend at Barnes and Noble on Orchard Lake Road.
From January 6-10, 2012, if you make sure to mention that you are from theWest Bloomfield School District a percentage of ALL purchases (including purchases from the cafe) will benefit the West Bloomfield School District Media Programs. All 3^rd – 5^th grade Pine Tree books will be available for sale.
West Bloomfield teachers will appear at Barnes and Noble on the following days and times:
Friday, January 6 @ 4:00 pm: Sheiko Elementary
Saturday, January 7 @ 11:00 am: Scotch Elementary
Sunday, January 8 @ 12:00 pm: Doherty Elementary
Monday, January 9 @ 4:00 pm: Ealy Elementary
Tuesday, January 10 @ 5:00 pm: Roosevelt Elementary
Get your Pine Tree books this weekend!

TUTORS NEEDED! Tutors are needed for Upper Level Math and Science at West Bloomfield High School from
7:30 am - 9:00 am just 2 days a week. If you can help out, please contact Dr. Robert Martin, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at 248-865-6479

18^th Annual UNITED WE WALK

Be sure to save Sunday, January 15 and join us in this year’s United We Walk celebration of the birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2012 theme is  "United We Build the Dream"
The event will take place from 3:00 – 6:30 pm at West Bloomfield High School

"United We Walk" is a group of adult and student volunteers who come together each year to celebrate the life and contributions of  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The year 2012 marks the 18th Anniversary of the community-based multicultural celebration. The walk, program, dialogues and candlelight vigil will all be held on Sunday, January 15th at West Bloomfield High School.

Co-Chairs Brian Flaggs, Kathy Sheiko and David Flaisher as well as Student Co-Chairs Alyxis Flaggs and Olivia Peace have been working diligently for the past 6 months to plan for a spectacular event, with our walk down Orchard Lake Road, followed by a presentation in our newly renovated auditorium.

This year, our keynote speaker will be Dr. Silas Norman, Associate Dean of Admissions in the College of Medicine at Wayne State University. Dr. Norman’s history is particularly noteworthy, as he spent time in the 60’s in the south as a Freedom Rider. The Freedom Riders set out to challenge the status quo by riding various forms of public transportation in the South to challenge local laws or customs that enforced segregation. The Freedom Rides, and the violent reactions they provoked, bolstered the credibility of the American Civil Rights Movement and called national attention to the violent disregard for the law that was used to enforce segregation in the southern United States.

Our presentations which will include the Viking Voices from OLMS under the direction of April Tini, whom I saw perform yesterday, and they were fabulous! The talent in these students is nothing short of professional quality. The program will end with a Candlelight Vigil which will be held in the auditorium this year, followed by a Community Dinner in the cafeteria, to which all are invited to attend to share food and dialogue. All events are free and open to the public, so please join us!

DELI UNIQUE – STUDENTS’ ARTWORK!

One of our generous community partners, Deli Unique has our students’ artwork on display. The students come from all levels in our district, and those whose artwork is on display will all receive a gift card to Deli Unique! We are very proud of all of our students’ work and hope that you get the chance to stop by and admire it when you get the chance! Deli Unique is located on Orchard Lake Road south of Maple.

SNOWMAN PINS

Snowman Pins are still available for $10 each to benefit Our Children’s Fund.
Proceeds are used to purchase gift certificates for less fortunate children and their families in
the West Bloomfield School District. Contributions of checks, cash, and store gift cards in any amount will gladly be accepted to help us meet our goal this year of helping as many families as possible.

Also, Our Children’s Fund Tribute Cards are available individually for $5 and are a wonderful way to thank your child’s teachers or to send  to a friend, not just at the Holidays but throughout the year as well. All contributions are tax-deductible. And as always, thank you for your support!!

Available at all school offices and the Administrative Community Services building.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Talk Sup't. December 2, 2011

TALK SUP’T. December 2, 2011 Superintendent’s Weekly Blog

SAVE THE DATES!

SNOW WHITE TOMORROW!

Snow White and her seven dwarves will inhabit West Bloomfield High School’s stage TOMORROW - Saturday, December 3rd. Curtain is at 2pm, and children of all ages will delight in the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale adapted by Tim Kelly. All our old friends are here — the lovely Princess, the mischievous Dwarfs, the Prince, the Huntsman, and the evil Queen. But wait until you meet the hilarious palace Cat and the Enchanted Vixen. In this version, the Magic Mirror not only talks — it walks! There are plenty of laughs, chases through the forest, and magic that will delight the audience. This show is geared towards children kindergarten through third grade, but will touch hearts of all ages.

Tickets are available at the door, and are only $7. A portion of the proceeds go towards Our Children’s Fund, a charitable organization supporting students and families in need throughout the West Bloomfield School District. Bring the kids and enjoy live children’s theater in your community at West Bloomfield High School, 4925 Orchard Lake Road.

MARK O’CONNOR

On Thursday, December 15^th at 7:00 PM, Mark O’Connor will join West Bloomfield School District Orchestras for “An American Festival” concert. Under the direction of Lynn Brosnan and Linda Trotter, the West Bloomfield School District String Orchestras will have the opportunity to perform live, onstage with the renowned artist, Mark O’Connor, who has worked with music stars Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, James Taylor and Johnny Cash. Sponsored by internationally famous violin company, SHAR Music, and Mr. O’Connor, the concert will be held at West Bloomfield High School Auditorium, located at 4925 Orchard Lake Road.

The program will feature favorite tunes from the popular new O’Connor Orchestra Method, in addition to solo works played by Mr. O’Connor. The public is invited to attend this major event. Tickets can be purchased at www.ShowTix4u.com or by calling 1-866-967-8167; ticket prices: $10.00 Adults, $5.00 Students. Unfortunately, this is an event that we cannot honor the Senior Gold Cards at. You MUST join us for this concert!

 CHIPWRECKED!

The West Bloomfield Educational Foundation is sponsoring another movie night on Saturday, December 17, 2011 to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks film. It will be held at 11:00 am at the Emagine Theater – Novi. The Cost is just $10 and all seats are general seating. A limited number of tickets will be sold, so be sure and save this date and get your tickets early through the Community Education office.

DR. JENNIE M. BENNETT

Help your child succeed in MATH! Is the topic that Dr. Jennie M. Bennett will discuss, as the author of our Math Textbooks and national presenter will take the podium on Tuesday, December 13. Dr. Bennett  is Chair of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics on their Education Trust Board, a Partner of Numbers Mathematics Consulting Firm and an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas.  Bring your kids, and ask questions of this author to help gain insight on how to help your child to be successful in math. Dr. Bennett will be in the Media Center on December 13 at 7:00 pm, so please join us for this informative event!

MEAP CUT SCORES

For those that did not have the chance to attend our PCN Meeting, Dr. Robert Martin has recorded his presentation on MEAP and Understanding the Cut Scores, and it is available on our website. Go to the home page, and in the scrolling section on the top left, click on MEAP Cut Scores 2011, where it says Watch the YouTube Video here. 

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT – Understanding the FAFSA!
The Counseling Department invites you to attend our annual Financial Aid Night.  Please come and receive valuable information in regards to the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the various sources of aid available.  Our guest speaker will be Ms. Leighanne Denja of Eastern Michigan University.  The meeting will take place Monday, December 5, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in West Bloomfield High School’s Media Center.  For more information, please contact Mrs Lisa Reeves at (248) 865-6768.

DELI UNIQUE – STUDENTS’ ARTWORK!

One of our generous community partners, Deli Unique has our students’ artwork on display. The students come from all levels in our district, and those whose artwork is on display will all receive a gift card to Deli Unique! We are very proud of all of our students’ work and hope that you get the chance to stop by and admire it when you get the chance! Deli Unique is located on Orchard Lake Road south of Maple.

SNOWMAN PINS

Don’t forget to purchase a Snowman Pin for $10 each to benefit Our Children’s Fund.

Proceeds are used to purchase gift certificates for less fortunate children and their families in
the West Bloomfield School District. Contributions of checks, cash, and store gift cards in any amount will gladly be accepted to help us meet our goal this year of helping as many families as possible. These can be dropped off at any school office through December 16th. You can see the new Snowman Pin designed by Claire Forhan in The Laker on page 11. Claire was honored at our Board Meeting on Monday night as well as all of the runners up, who created the most beautiful artwork. The judges had an extremely difficult time this year, more so than in the past, since there were so many wonderful and creative submissions.

Also, Our Children’s Fund Tribute Cards are available individually for $5 and are a wonderful way to thank your child’s teachers or other staff members at the Holidays as well as throughout the year.

All contributions are tax-deductible. And as always, thank you for your support!!

Available at all school offices and the Administrative Community Services building.

 Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Talk Sup't. November 18, 2011

TALK SUP’T. November 18, 2011              Superintendent’s Weekly Blog

LAKER
The latest issue of the Laker should have arrived in your mailbox tucked inside the Beacon newspaper, on either Wednesday or Thursday. Make sure you see it and check out all that has been happening in our district since school started in September! For those who do not receive the Beacon, you can read the entire Laker online at:

http://wbsdweb.binarystarsinc.netdna-cdn.com/wbsd/userfiles/wbsdadmin/School/News/The_Laker_Online/Laker_2011_Nov-Dec.pdf

Enjoy!!

SAVE THE DATES!

MARK O’CONNOR
On Thursday, December 15^th at 7:00 PM, New York city based violinist/fiddler, composer and multi-Grammy winning recording artist Mark O’Connor will join West Bloomfield School District Orchestras for “An American Festival” concert. The event will be led by Lynn Brosnan, Orchestra Director at Abbott Middle School, and Linda Trotter, Director of Orchestras at West Bloomfield High School and Orchard Lake Middle School. Sponsored by internationally famous violin company, SHAR Music, and Mr. O’Connor, the concert will be held at West Bloomfield High School Auditorium, located at 4925 Orchard Lake Road.

The program will feature favorite tunes from the popular new O’Connor Orchestra Method, in addition to solo works played by Mr. O’Connor. The public is invited to attend this major event. Tickets can be purchased at www.ShowTix4u.com or by calling 1-866-967-8167; ticket prices: $10.00 Adults, $5.00 Students.

Lynn and Linda both envisioned the positive effect that such a concert would have on their students and the String Program in the West Bloomfield School District. Encouraging students’ involvement in writing essays to be submitted to SHAR Music, they were ecstatic when Abbott Middle School emerged as one of four national winners of the Mark O’Connor Concert, out of hundreds of schools that entered.

CHIPWRECKED!

The West Bloomfield Educational Foundation is sponsoring another movie night on Saturday, December 17, 2011 to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks film. It will be held at 11:00 am at the Emagine Theater – Novi. The Cost is just $10 and all seats are general seating. A limited number of tickets will be sold, so be sure and save this date and get your tickets early through the Community Education office.

THANK YOU

A big thank you goes out to Jeff Sakwa and Kevin Goldman for donating tickets to a Cody Simpson Concert. Singer Cody Simpson helps to promote Defeat the Label, our anti-bullying campaign in the district. All ticket proceeds benefit Abbott Middle School. Thanks for your support of the West Bloomfield School District.

GABE & IZZY

Gabrielle Ford, A Voice for the Bullied made a presentation at both middle schools yesterday, and moved many students to tears. West Bloomfield Youth Assistance and Optimist Club of West Bloomfield sponsored the speaker and author to speak to our students about bullying. Gabrielle never dreamed that a long-eared coonhound could change her life. But that’s just what happened when she cared for her ailing pet Izzy and found the voice to help others in need as a nationally-known motivational speaker. Speaking out for the voiceless Izzy gave her the courage to speak out for another voiceless group: the thousands of children bullied in American schools every day. Through countless personal trials, Gabe found her way back to the stage as an outspoken advocate against school bullying. In addition to her school visits, she has also been a keynote speaker at conferences and conventions. Her dedication earned her the 2011 Communications & Leadership Award from Toastmasters International as well as the Community Hero Award in 2008 from the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Over 100 students lined up to speak with Gabe afterwards, pet her dog, hug her and ask her questions, and sometimes share a story about themselves. This was a great presentation and we thank the Optimist Club and Youth Assistance for helping to bring the program to our schools!

SNOWMAN PINS

Don’t forget to purchase a Snowman Pin for $10 each to benefit Our Children’s Fund.
Proceeds are used to purchase gift certificates for less fortunate children and their families in
the West Bloomfield School District. Contributions of checks, cash, and store gift cards in any amount will gladly be accepted to help us meet our goal this year of helping as many families as possible. These can be dropped off at any school office through December 16th. You can see the new Snowman Pin designed by Claire Forhan in this week’s Laker on page 11.
Also, Our Children’s Fund Tribute Cards are available individually for $5 and are a wonderful way to thank your child’s teachers or other staff members at the Holidays as well as throughout the year.
All contributions are tax-deductible. And as always, thank you for your support!!
Pins are available at all school offices and the Administrative Community Services building.

Strategic Visioning

Community and staff that has worked on the Strategic Visioning since last spring met again on Monday evening to bring closure to the Budget Prioritization process. We looked at long range planning for our district. Many items have been put into operation or have been completed, and others were explored to determine what the next steps will be. The core of our mission is teaching and learning, and how we look in 3-5 years will be filtered through that very core.

PCN (Parent Communication Network)

Yesterday, we had a really good, informative PCN meeting at Scotch Elementary our host this month for our Parent Communication Network. This month we had a special two part meeting consisting of a presentation by  Dr. Robert Martin who explained the MEAP/MME Cut Scores and a Q & A forum on the topic: “Why You Should Attend West Bloomfield Schools”. A panel consisting of Amy Hughes, Principal of Abbott, Sonja James, Principal of OLMS, Parent Ellen Simmons, Dr. Robert Martin, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Tom Shelton, Principal of WBHS, Parent Sheryl Lederman, and WBHS Senior Ryan Eaton, answered parents’ questions, concerns and issues regarding our middle and high schools.

We had a very good turnout, with a lot of questions that seemed to inspire even more questions, as our meeting ran over time. I got a lot of positive feedback from those that I spoke with after the meeting, and from emails that I received later. Parents seem to feel more settled once some of their personal questions were addressed from those at every level, from administrators to students.

Please join us at any of our Parent Communication Network meeting, as all are invited to attend each month to learn about what is happening in our schools. Next month we will meet on January 19 at Abbott at 7:00 PM. For future meeting dates, go to wbsd.org and click on PCN in the Quicklinks on the left side.

DISTRICT WIDE OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday night’s Open House was incredibly impressive!
People who came in with pre-conceived ideas left informed after talking to teachers and administrators and seeing the outstanding displays that were arranged in a new format this year. WBHS held its Curriculum Fair at the same time showcasing the best of our district, with an overview of our unique offerings and programs. Linda Trotter’s strings orchestra played lightly in the center of the room, which energized the entire event!

All Parents were invited to attend whether they were looking ahead to high school, middle school or kindergarten – the theme was All Roads Lead to West Bloomfield High School!

Although the Open House is but one night, if you were unable to attend, you still have the opportunity to see what is happening in our schools. Contact our principals for a tour or information on shadowing at the high school.  Principals can answer any unresolved issues or questions that you might have.

Have a safe weekend and a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!