Talk Sup't. March 9, 2012

TALK SUP’T. March 5, 2012    Superintendent’s Weekly Blog SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
I want to thank all of you that participated in our forums this week for the Superintendent Search that was facilitated by Ray and Associates. There were several opportunities for those in our community including all of our own staff, township officials, clergy association, business leaders, parent groups and civic leaders to join us and weigh in on what your profile of a new superintendent for this school district should look like.

A suggested timeline was distributed to give everyone an idea of how this process will take form. As Ray and Associates collects information from the survey that was conducted with all of the stakeholders, constituents and board members, they will consolidate that data and the board will finalize the superintendent profile for promotional materials and an application form. There will be a special board meeting held next Friday, March 16, at West Bloomfield High School at 4:00 pm to finalize that portion of the process.

We will keep you updated as this process continues. Continue to check our website to stay informed on the progress.

SEAF PROJECT (School Enrollment and Facilities Project)

The West Bloomfield School District will be examining its school enrollment trends and how it utilizes its facilities during the spring of 2012. Western Demographics, Inc. has been hired to assist the district with a careful analysis of enrollment trends and facilities during the spring. We have scheduled our first meeting with Western Demographics to begin our School Enrollment and Facilities Project (SEAF) process. Many school district stakeholders will have the opportunity to be involved in the future of their schools by attending community focus groups, open house meetings and other events. Immediately after our first meeting, we will announce the dates of the scheduled meetings that you may attend to get involved in this process. These dates will be coming shortly.

The district’s School Enrollment and Facilities Committee will guide Western’s work and keep the public aware of opportunities to participate. The Board of Education will review the work and potentially take action in late April and early May. As always, the continued excellence of educational programs offered by the district is its paramount concern. Again, we will be updating  all information on our website regarding the findings of the SEAF Project.

WIN $10,000!

Join the hundreds of people who have already purchased a $10 ticket supporting the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation, in an effort to win $10,000 in their fundraising raffle! Tickets can be purchased by calling Community Edducation at 248-865-6463, and you must be 18 to purchase one. The drawing will be held Monday, March 26 at 7:00 pm at Ealy School. I wish you all much luck, and thank you for supporting the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation!

RALLY AGAINST BULLYING!

Tomorrow, Saturday March 10, Defeat the Label and Amp 98.7 Radio will present a RALLY AGAINST BULLYING in conjunction with The Uptown Film Festival at 12 Noon in Shain Park
on Merrill Street in Downtown Birmingham. All are invited to join Defeat the Label
along with guest speakers and performers in this awareness effort as we rally together to combat bullying in our schools and communities.
Following the Rally, Uptown Film Festival will host the Exclusive Michigan Premiere of the movie"BULLY", which will not be in theaters for another month. Visit www.uptownfilmfestival.com for ticket information (limited seating)for more information contact jamie@defeatthelabel.com. I encourage you all to join this effort!

TEENS AND THE LAW

The Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition presents Teens and the Law on Tuesday, March 20^th at 7:00 pm at the West Bloomfield Public Library. The presentation will be hosted by members of Teens Making Changes (TMC).I encourage high school teens and parents to attend this important forum. A panel discussion group will include 48^th District Court Judge Diane D'Agostini , WB Police Department Sergeant Tara Kane, Litigation Attorney Gerry Gleeson with the Miller Canfield Law Firm,  and Lisa Kaplan, LMSW, CAADC, ACSW with C.A.R.E. of SE Michigan. It will be a Q & A format so that you can ask the questions that are important to you.  
Please try to attend this very informative forum.

PETER PAN

Mark the date to see our creative and talented kids from Orchard Lake Middle School as their Musical Theater Department presents Peter Pan, on Friday, March 23 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 pm at the West Bloomfield High School Auditorium. The play, directed by Janey Compton, and Musical Direction by April Tini, with choreography by Valerie Mould, is NOT TO BE MISSED. Tickets are available by mail, during school office and lunch room hours, by phone 248.865.4480 and at the door if seats are available.
Mail by March 15th to Orchard Lake Middle School, 6000 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 ATTN: April Tini, Checks payable to: Orchard Lake Middle School –
For information please email olmsmusictheater@aol.com.
Senior citizens may also use their Gold Card for complimentary tickets. They are available at all building offices.

MOM 2 MOM SALE

For those parents who would like to sell those gently used baby and kid items that have been piling up in your home.  Sellers, this is a great opportunity for you as you keep your profit, and buyers, it’s a chance to pick up some really nice things for your kids at a great price. Large items will be placed in a designated area and will be sold as a “Large Ticket Item”.  This sale will take place from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 24 at West Bloomfield High School. For information on renting a table and selling items, call Linda Margetin at 248-865-6463 or email her at margetin@westbloomfield.k12.mi.us. This is a GREAT SALE!

EARLY CHILDHOOD OPEN HOUSE

West Bloomfield Preschool Academy will be holding an Open House on Wednesday March 14, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at both Ealy and ACS locations. Model classrooms will be set up, with refreshments and drawings and other fun activities. Registration will also take place on site, so join us for a preview of what your child can experience next fall! For more information call 248-865-6460.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congrats go to Jen Newmark at Gretchko Elementary who has been awarded a $1796 minigrant for the “Motor Skills for Academic Success/Motor Moms and Dads” program. The Brooksie Way Minigrant program is a grant to fund projects that support the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles. The Brooksie Way Minigrant board, which reviewed the requests, was impressed by both the quality and scope of our program and the commitment to improving the health and wellness of our students. The maximum award is $2,000.

TALK SUP’T. LIVE!
We have been creating a monthly video version of our Talk Sup’t. newsletter, with the help and talent of Kevin Walsh’s students in his Advanced Video classes. Our first episode focused on West Bloomfield High School, and we interviewed Principal Tom Shelton, and Assistant Principals Mara Hoffert, Art Ebert and Pat Watson. You can catch our latest episode highlighting our middle schools, where we invited principals Amy Hughes and Sonja James to join us and talk about the differences and similarities between our two schools. These have become very informative shows, and I encourage you to watch them on Channel 19, our school district channel at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays they are re-aired at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm. We have just taped our most recent one featuring Oakland Early College with Head of School Jen Newman, and three of our students, Jewell Bell, Christopher Breedlove and Shelby Maurice who all shared their experiences and feelings about attending OEC. Tune in to Channel 19 and see what we have to offer! Thank you to all of Kevin Walsh’s advanced students who work on this show so professionally.
WEST BLOOMFIELD YOUTH ASSISTANCE YOUTH RECOGNITION AWARDS
West Bloomfield Youth Assistance needs your help in identifying young people in our community who have made positive volunteer contributions this year.  Nominations come from schools, hospitals, religious organizations, fire and police departments, and private citizens who have been helped by our youth.  Local, county, and state dignitaries participate in making these events very special because they believe that positive behaviors are often overlooked.  These young people serve as role models for their peers and reassure the community that the future is in good hands.  The winners are honored at the annual Youth Recognition Awards Ceremony to be held on April 25, 2012 at the West Bloomfield High School - Media Center, 7:00-8:30 P.M.

Please nominate a student that you feel deserves recognition. A nominator may be any adult or organization that wishes to submit the name of a deserving youth(s) for performing volunteer services, not related to school or court requirements.

Nominees are judged on the basis of Volunteer Service to an individual, organization or the community. This includes  Personal acts of heroism, or Self-improvement through personal or academic achievement.
Nominees must reside within the boundaries of the West Bloomfield School District or be a West Bloomfield School District Student, and all school age youth are eligible.
Nomination forms and eligibility instructions can be found at www.wbyouthassistance.org
and must be received by Thursday, March 22, 2012.
Have a great weekend!

Talk Sup't. March 5, 2012

PLEASE GET INVOLVED
I am pleased to share with you that there are many opportunities for you to get involved in the Superintendent Search and the School Enrollment and Facilities Study.
Mark your calendar and join others in the community in these two initiatives.
Dates that you may lend your voice to the discussions are:

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH - FOCUS GROUP SCHEDULE

Administrative and Community Services Building (ACS)
5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield

Wednesday, March 7

8:00 a.m. Business Leaders
9:00 a.m. Open Forum - ALL WELCOME
10:00 a.m. Parent Leaders
1:00 p.m. Clergy
2:30 p.m. High School Teachers and Paraeducators
3:30 p.m. Middle School Teachers and Paraeducators
4:30 p.m. Elementary Teachers and Paraeducators
7:00 p.m. Community Forum – ALL WELCOME

Thursday, March 8

8:00 a.m. Board Meeting – Open Session
9:30 a.m. Bus Drivers
11:00 a.m. Civic Leaders
1:00 p.m. Administrators
3:00 p.m. Cafeteria / Custodians / Maintenance / Technicians
4:30 p.m. Secretaries
7:00 p.m. Community Forum – ALL WELCOME

SEAF PROJECT (School Enrollment and Facilities Project)

The West Bloomfield School District will be examining its school enrollment trends and how it utilizes its facilities during the spring of 2012
Western Demographics, Inc. has been hired to assist the district with a careful analysis of enrollment trends and facilities during the spring. We have scheduled our first meeting with Western Demographics to begin our School Enrollment and Facilities Project (SEAF) process. Many school district stakeholders will have the opportunity to be involved in the future of their schools by attending community focus groups, open house meetings and other events. Immediately after our first meeting, we will announce the dates of the scheduled meetings that you may attend to get involved in this process. These dates will be coming shortly.
The district’s School Enrollment and Facilities Committee will guide Western’s work and keep the public aware of opportunities to participate. The Board of Education will review the work and potentially take action in late April and early May. As always, the continued excellence of educational programs offered by the district is its paramount concern.

EXAMS

Teachers will participate in professional development sessions on March 6. High school Juniors and Seniors who need to retake will be taking the ACT exam and the Michigan Merit Exam this week.

Teachers will also be in Professional Development this week. Grades 1-5 teachers will be in SITTON Vocabulary and Grammar, while all others will be in Quality Teaching Integrating Instructional Technology, learning iPad apps and Promethean Board applications. Kindergarten teachers will also be in their specific professional development.

We wish all of our students who are testing the very best!

BOARD MEETING
At last Monday’s board meeting the Ealy Elementary Students welcomed us “aboard the S.S. Ealy” for an ‘excursion’ as we were entertained with songs, videos and skits from their PBS Production, learning about Positive Behavior Support. Videos capsulized their Writer’s Reader’s and Math Workshops. Students from all grades wore sailor’s hats and taught us about cooperating at home, in school and in the community while embracing our unique, diverse differences. It was such an inspiring and encouraging production choreographed by Marla Gartner and Susan Englehart. Thank you to Rod MacNeal and the entire staff!

At the meeting, the board voted 7-0 to pursue a resolution to seek proposals for custodial and transportation services. In its resolution, the board cited “recognition that it recognizes non-instructional support services staff as providing highly effective and important School district functions, and that it feels that it is both prudent sand fiscally responsible to investigate the school district’s costs associated with non-instructional support services, and investigate financial data on potential cost savings from outsourcing certain non-instructional support services.” Tom Goulding describes this as a “board directive that is focused on cost containment and funding what our options are. We are looking at ways district wide to save money because of our future projections.”

CONGRATULATIONS!
I want to applaud our West Bloomfield athletes who have excelled in the following:

State Wrestlers:1. Ross Bahro-All State
2. Daniel Davidson

State Swimmers:John Yurich - 200 Medley Relay, 100 Fly, 200 Free Relay
Grant Yarber - 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay
Andrew Jacob - 200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free Relay
Nick Simon - 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay

JV Poms:Michigan Tournament Champions

MUSIC
In addition, Sheryl Hauk has reported that Ameerah Shakoor won Outstanding Soloist at the Disney Jazz Celebration! And the West Bloomfield High School  Concert Choir A sang at the Detroit Opera House yesterday with Alma College. Kudos to all! We are so proud of you!

WIN $10,000!

Join the hundreds of people who have already purchased a $10 ticket supporting the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation, in an effort to win $10,000 in their fundraising raffle! Tickets can be purchased by calling Community Edducation at 248-865-6463, and you must be 18 to purchase one. The drawing will be held Monday, March 26 at 7:00 pm at Ealy School. I wish you all much luck, and thank you for supporting the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation!

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

I went to the production of Joseph last week at Abbott and was totally ‘amazed’ at the talent of our middle school kids. It is not only the students talents, but the direction of our staff John Deierlein and Ryan Moore who encourage these students to put on a professional level production. However, I also want to remind everyone that it is a caring community and creative parents who all contribute to making great productions like these!

PETER PAN

On that note, I want to remind you that you will have another opportunity to see our creative and talented kids from Orchard Lake Middle School as their Musical Theater Department presents Peter Pan, on Friday, March 23 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 pm at the West Bloomfield High School Auditorium. The play, directed by Janey Compton, and Musical Direction by April Tini, with choreography by Valerie Mould, is NOT TO BE MISSED. Tickets are
available by mail, during school office and lunch room hours, by phone 248.865.4480 and at the door if seats are available.
Mail by March 15th to Orchard Lake Middle School, 6000 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 ATTN: April Tini
Checks payable to: Orchard Lake Middle School –
For information please email olmsmusictheater@aol.com.
Senior citizens may also use their Gold Card for complimentary tickets. They are available at all building offices.

HIGH SCHOOL AUTHOR
I am so proud of our student, Kristan Victoria Maxie, who is an honors freshman at West Bloomfield High School, and has published her first book, A Prison Diary. The book is fiction, with a spiritual twist and an inspirational message. It is reviewed as a very powerful and very moving book. Kristan is planning to become an author reaching out to readers who truly enjoy being a part of what they're reading. The book is highly recommended for all ages. She is now considering a sequel since she has received such positive reviews from her first novel. She is one of four siblings and strives for greatness in whatever God leads her to do. Congratulations, Kristan!

TALK SUP’T. LIVE!
We have been creating a monthly video version of our Talk Sup’t. newsletter, with the help and talent of Kevin Walsh’s students in his Advanced Video classes. Our first episode focused on West Bloomfield High School, and we interviewed Principal Tom Shelton, and Assistant Principals Mara Hoffert, Art Ebert and Pat Watson. You can catch our latest episode highlighting our middle schools, where we invited principals Amy Hughes and Sonja James to join us and talk about the differences and similarities between our two schools. These have become very informative shows, and I encourage you to catch them on Channel 19, our school district channel at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays, they are re-aired at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm. We have just taped our most recent one featuring Oakland Early College with Head of School Jen Newman, and three of our students, Jewell Bell, Christopher Breedlove and Shelby Maurice who all shared their experiences and feelings about attending OEC. Tune in Channel 19 and see what we have to offer!
WEST BLOOMFIELD YOUTH ASSISTANCE YOUTH RECOGNITION AWARDS
West Bloomfield Youth Assistance needs your help in identifying young people in our community who have made positive volunteer contributions this year.  Nominations come from schools, hospitals, religious organizations, fire and police departments, and private citizens who have been helped by our youth.  Local, county, and state dignitaries participate in making these events very special because they believe that positive behaviors are often overlooked.  These young people serve as role models for their peers and reassure the community that the future is in good hands.  The winners are honored at the annual Youth Recognition Awards Ceremony to be held on April 25, 2012 at the West Bloomfield High School - Media Center, 7:00-8:30 P.M.

Please nominate a student that you feel deserves recognition. A nominator may be any adult or organization that wishes to submit the name of a deserving youth(s) for performing volunteer services, not related to school or court requirements.
Nominees are judged on the basis of Volunteer Service to an individual, organization or the community. This includes  Personal acts of heroism, or Self-improvement through personal or academic achievement.
Nominees must reside within the boundaries of the West Bloomfield School District or be a West Bloomfield School District Student, and all school age youth are eligible.
Nomination forms and eligibility instructions can be found at www.wbyouthassistance.org
and must be received by Thursday, March 22, 2012.

Talk Sup't. February 23, 2012

WEATHER ALERT It appears that there is a weather pattern approaching that could potentially drop several inches of snow on us. We will watch the weather pattern and determine how much snow has accumulated throughout the evening.
Please consider advanced preparation in the event that you need to make alternate plans for your children.
At the very latest you will be notified by 5:00 am if we are going to close, otherwise school will be open and continue as usual.

There are several events that are scheduled for Friday night:

·        Swim & Dive: Boys Varsity OAA Division Tournament/Meet

·        League basketball

·        Girls Freshman Basketball 4:00, Girls JV 5:30

·        Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at WBHS

Depending on the weather, we will determine by midday on Friday whether these events will still take place.

Please stay tuned to Channel 19 and check our website for information.
You will also be notified by our Brightarrow notification system and broadcast email (if you are a subscriber) if school will be closed.

SURVEY
At this time, the West Bloomfield School District is NOT circulating a survey related to Curriculum, nor have they authorized one.

WBEF ALUMNI MIX & MINGLE TONIGHT!
I encourage all West Bloomfield School District Alumni, supporters and friends to catch up with  their old friends tonight at  the West Bloomfield  Educational Foundation WINTER Mix & Mingle! Bring a Friend and join the group tonight, Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 7 pm to close at the Uptowne Grille in a private room at 3100 E. West Maple (just west of Haggerty). The event is free with FREE appetizers, pizza and desserts and a Cash Bar.

The Foundation has been working hard on this event to bring you Raffle Prizes and a Silent Auction with some really great auction items including Detroit Red Wings & Detroit Lions Memorabilia. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the door. The event is FREE, however Donations to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation will be accepted with all proceeds going towards WBSD Academics, Arts and Athletics Programs.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING - FEBRUARY 27, 2012

Monday night'S board meeting will be held at Ealy Elementary on Maple Road will have a representative from Ray and Associates, the company that has been selected to conduct our Superintendent Search. They will share the process , a tentative timeline  and how parents and community can become involved.

The Board Agenda will be online available after 5:00 on Friday. http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/wbsd/District/Board-of-Education/Board-Agendas-and-Minutes-197.html

CONGRATULATIONS!!

The WBHS Art Department is proud to announce the entries in the 2012 Southeastern Michigan Scholastic Art Awards. This is a juried show and is considered an honor to have your artwork chosen to be on display. Congratulations to our top awarded Gold Key winners who will advance on to the National Competition in late March.
GOLD KEY WINNERS:
Erica Noelle, Bauer/ Photography
Krysten Caudle, Painting
Shay Gabbara, Painting
Akbar Husain, Photography
Hailey Rozenberg, Photography

The Scholastic Art Show is being held now through next Friday, March 2 at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Please see our Laker Newsletter that arrived in the Beacon Newspaper on Wednesday, February 22 (yesterday), or you may view it online to see the entire list of winners on page 5.

If you do not receive the Beacon, you may stop in any building and copies will be available in the office.

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.

AVID
AVID has been a successful program across the nation for over 25 years, well known for helping students gear up for academic success in the present and the future.  One unique element of the AVID program is its use of guest speakers and motivational activities.  Enter Eric Thomas.  When the AVID elective teachers and AVID students saw Eric Thomas for the first time on You-Tube, there was one response: they wanted to meet him.

On March 2, Eric Thomas brings his message to West Bloomfield. Motivational speaker Eric Thomas’ message to youth might best be summed up in his You-Tube video that has been viewed over 500,000 times: “When you want to be successful as badly as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” Our students will have the chance to see him when he appears at West Bloomfield High School on Friday March 2, 2012. To get a glimpse of his motivational message, view his video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPf0sClRgrU

NO PLACE FOR HATE
No Place for Hate® is an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) that helps schools enhance or create a culture of respect. This initiative is designed to celebrate diversity and empower members of the school community to challenge all forms of bigotry.

We congratulate Roosevelt Elementary School for their hard work and efforts toward promoting respect for individual differences while challenging bigotry and prejudice
by completing the requirements to become a No Place For Hate School. Principal Dr. Beth Feiten reports that Roosevelt established a No Place for Hate committee, Adopted the Resolution of Respect, and Completed several projects that celebrate diversity and/or address bias, bullying and name-calling. Harry Weaver, Anti-Defamation League Educational Project Director presented an award to Roosevelt with their school banner yesterday.

WEST BLOOMFIELD YOUTH ASSISTANCE YOUTH RECOGNITION AWARDS
West Bloomfield Youth Assistance needs your help in identifying young people in our community who have made positive volunteer contributions this year.  Nominations come from schools, hospitals, religious organizations, fire and police departments, and private citizens who have been helped by our youth.  Local, county, and state dignitaries participate in making these events very special because they believe that positive behaviors are often overlooked.  These young people serve as role models for their peers and reassure the community that the future is in good hands.  The winners are honored at the annual Youth Recognition Awards Ceremony to be held on April 25, 2012 at the West Bloomfield High School - Media Center, 7:00-8:30 P.M.

I encourage you to nominate a student that you feel deserves recognition. A nominator may be any adult or organization that wishes to submit the name of a deserving youth(s) for performing volunteer services, not related to school or court requirements.

Nominees are judged on the basis of Volunteer Service to an individual, organization or the community.  Personal acts of heroism, or Self-improvement through personal or academic achievement.
Nominees must reside within the boundaries of the West Bloomfield School District or be a West Bloomfield School District Student, and all school age youth are eligible.
Nomination forms and eligibility instructions can be found at www.wbyouthassistance.org
Nominations must be received by Thursday, March 22, 2012.

SEAF PROJECT (School Enrollment and Facilities Project)

The West Bloomfield School District will be examining its school enrollment trends and how it utilizes its facilities during the spring of 2012.  Changes in funding and enrollment have continued to force the district to be as efficient as it possibly can in the utilization of its financial resources and facilities.

Western Demographics, Inc. has been hired to assist the district with a careful analysis of enrollment trends and facilities during the spring. We have scheduled our first meeting with Western Demographics to begin our School Enrollment and Facilities Project (SEAF) process. Many school district stakeholders will have the opportunity to be involved in the future of their schools by attending community focus groups, open house meetings and other events. Immediately after our first meeting, we will announce the dates of the scheduled meetings that you may attend to get involved in this process.

Western is a National firm with significant Michigan experience and uses a collaborative approach to engage the public in facility decision-making. Western is working in partnership with TMP and Wakely Architecture and will be conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the condition of district schools as part of the work.

The district’s School Enrollment and Facilities Committee will guide Western’s work and keep the public aware of opportunities to participate. The Board of Education will review the work and potentially take action in late April and early May. As always, the continued excellence of educational programs offered by the district is its paramount concern.

 Have a great weekend!

TALK SUP’T. February 16, 2012 Superintendent’s Weekly Blog

SEAF PROJECT (School Enrollment and Facilities Project)
The West Bloomfield School District will be examining its school enrollment trends and how it utilizes its facilities during the Spring of 2012. Changes in funding and enrollment have continued to force the district to be as efficient as it possibly can in the utilization of its financial resources and facilities. As always, the continued excellence of educational programs offered by the district is its paramount concern. In an effort to protect the level of service that local residents have come to expect, the district has decided to take a careful look at how it uses its facilities with the goal of potential budgetary savings.

Accordingly, Western Demographics, Inc. has been hired to assist the district with a careful analysis of enrollment trends and facilities during the Spring. Western is a National firm with significant Michigan experience and uses a collaborative approach to engage the public in facility decision-making. Many school district stakeholders will have the opportunity to be involved in the future of their schools by attending community focus groups, open house meetings and other events Western is working in partnership with TMP and Wakely Architecture and will be conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the condition of district schools as part of the work.

The district’s School Enrollment and Facilities Committee will guide Western’s work and keep the public aware of opportunities to participate. The Board of Education will review the work and potentially take action in late April and early May. The district hopes that its community will participate in this important process as we work to continue our long term commitment to educational excellence.

West Bloomfield School District
Receives $47,984 from Consumers Energy for Providing Energy Efficiency
In September of 2011, the West Bloomfield School District received a check for $36,004 from Consumers Energy Solutions through their 2011 Incentive Program for the installation of 7 high efficiency boilers in the district. Consumers Energy offered a comprehensive set of incentives under the Consumers Energy Business Solutions Program to facilitate the implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements for business customers. On January 30, 2012 the school district once again received an additional check for $47,984 from Consumers Energy Solutions for the installation of 221 Wireless Pneumatic Thermostats (WPT) in instructional classroom spaces district-wide, resulting in an improvement in energy efficiency.

CONGRATULATIONS!!
OLMS students Olivia Bowyer and Lisa Makaj whose artwork has been selected to be sent to Lansing for the Michigan Art Education Association State Exhibits for judging in the   Olivia’s piece is titled Sugar Baby Mola, and Lisa’s piece I Van Goghs’ Postmaster pieces are being sent to Lansing for judging!!!!!!!!!!!!
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 February 20
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the West Bloomfield Board of Education will conduct a Special
Board Meeting on Monday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the media center at
West Bloomfield High School located at 4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan.
The purpose of the special meeting is for a report from the Superintendent's Search Committee
and possible motion to approve the recommendation of a search firm. That meeting will be
immediately followed by a CLOSED SESSION for the purpose of negotiations.

Board Meeting February 27
There will be a meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, February 27 at 7:00 pm, at Ealy Elementary School in Multi-Purpose Room.  Agendas for board meetings will be available on our website on the Friday before the Monday board meeting after 5:00 pm.  
http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/wbsd/District/Board-of-Education/Board-Agendas-and-Minutes-197.html

MIFA – DAVID’S MOTHER
WBHS MIFA presented David’s Mother as part of its dinner theater on Thursday, February 9, 2012. Our talented award-winning MIFA students performed locally, at WBHS, this season. The full line-up of the evening began with a buffet dinner and silent auction, followed by the performance, and concluded with a dessert reception.
This was one of my favorite productions, as it was a very moving story. Student directed with original music composed and performed by students from WBHS the one act performance this year.
Under the leadership of Mark Johnson, each year these productions just get better and better. MIFA provides a unique opportunity for students to get involved behind as well as on the stage.
We celebrate the great work of Mark and all the MIFA students who entertain us each and every year. This year’s story was such a moving performance that there was not a dry eye in the house as the stage was cleared.

Mark Johnson reported  on the regional festival which was held afterwards, and said “we were very proud of our show. We got good scores and were honored with many awards. This show, was one of the most well received shows we have done in years, and our performances were punctuated each and every time from a responsive crowd with the much coveted standing ovation.” Congratulations and thank you from the community and all that attended!

MEAP
This week our MEAP results were released and there has been much discussion throughout communities around the state as a result of the new cut scores. I am proud of how our students performed. While the score itself may be lower than what we have seen in the past, we have seen growth in almost every area over last year.
That is the intent of this assessment.  We continue to trend with the district that we have always identified with. In order for this to happen, instruction must be strong and curriculum must be rigorous. We are cognizant that we will always have work to do and that there is always room for improvement. We accept that challenge as we disaggregate our data and begin planning for next year.
Be reminded that just one year ago we were awarded the Advanced Placement Achievement Award as a result of the work that was done in a very rigorous K-12 curriculum.
This continues to be a good year, and I thank all of our staff and students for their hard work and the supportive parents and community for helping to make this possible.

HELP WBHS WIN!
The Spacesaver Company will award a storage system worth $30,000 to the participating school that acquires the most votes!
Please go to www.rockurstorage.com, click on the K-12 edition button, click on the Facebook Log-in button. Once you are logged in through Facebook, click on West Bloomfield High School, and you will see pictures and information about the storage problem at WBHS. Scroll down to the button that says "Vote for this school". Make sure West Bloomfield is listed above the voting box.
You can vote 10 times a day until May 1, 2012. Please vote often!!
Thank you for taking the time to help us with this!

Have a great weekend!