Here - West Bloomfield School District

Transcription

Laker
Football Stellar
Season
- Laker S
Pride
Explodes!
2014-15
Back-T
o -S chool
upplement
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2014
W B
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W
www.B
wbsd .org
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West Bloomfield School District Publication
Coach Teaches On and
OFF the field
GPA’s GO UP - Bellamy scores
double with athletes
Educating Students to be their Best IN and FOR the World!
November 2014 • Issue 2 • Volume 41
Five WBHS Students
Selected As National
Merit Semifinalists
Sup’t. Gerald Hill gets up close and personal on October 23
with WB Football Coach and WBHS teacher Ron Bellamy.
Coach Ron Bellamy, originally from New Orleans, was an
honor roll student with a 3.5 GPA in high school. He was
one of the top high school football players in the country.
He graduated from the University of Michigan where he
also played football. After college, he played in the NFL
for 4 years with the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions.
Inspired by his college coach, Lloyd Carr, Bellamy went on
to earn a Masters degree in Education from Wayne State
University. In 2012, he joined the WBHS teaching staff
fulltime and became head coach.
National Merit Semifinalists
Jacob Thoma, Jarrell Ku, Anna Ringuette, Seth Oldenburg, and
Brendan Gimby
Dr. Hill: Congratulations on a fantastic Lakers season! I
understand that with your 7 and 1 record, the Lakers have
qualified for the playoffs.
Coach Ron Bellamy
Hill: With all of your experience, you must have a lot of
insights to use and apply in your coaching of young people.
Coach Bellamy: Yes sir, a very exciting time in the school.
You can see that the school spirit is at an all time high. The
boys are challenging themselves academically. There’s a
level of expectation that everyone is trying to follow. I’m
pleased with the record but I know that it’s carrying over to
the school as well.
Photos courtesy of MIPREPZONE with permission from Oakland Press Sports
Bellamy: Absolutely. The good thing is I’ve been there
before and some of the things that they want to accomplish
and set themselves up for, I’ve seen it. There is a model to
follow. My emphasis with the boys is academics. Without
the academic part, the athletic part will not come.
Hill: Congratulations both to you and one of your players.
I got a Tweet from Principal Watson this week that your
quarterback, Trishton Jackson, was named Player of the
Week.
Bellamy: Yes, Player of the Week in the state of Michigan
and I was selected Coach of the Week as well. So it’s huge
honors but both Trishton and I understand that without the
coaches and the players, none of that would be possible.
Hill: Is it correct that this is only the third time that the
Lakers have made the playoffs? What do you attribute the
team’s success to this year?
Bellamy: We have a tight brotherhood. One thing that I
emphasize to the boys is that you don’t play as individuals.
You have to play for something. I don’t want them to play
for me; I want you to play for one another. That is the most
important thing and they’ve bought into it. The leadership
has gotten better and better with the seniors. And hats
off to my coaching staff. Those guys, they make you go. I
couldn’t be happier with my coaches.
(continued on page 9)
Points of Pride!
• Marching Band takes 9th in STATE!
• 5 National Merit Semifinalists
• $1.8 Million in Scholarships to date!
• WBHS Ranked U.S. Top High Schools
Congratulations to Brendan Gimby, Jarrell Ku, Seth
Oldenburg, Anna Ringuette and Jacob Thoma for their
outstanding performance on the PSAT, the National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test. All have been selected as
National Merit semifinalists. Less than 1% of all US high
school seniors who take the PSAT score achieve this rank.
These students now advance to compete for National Merit
Scholarships. (continued on page 7)
“ . . . I wanted to tell you
how impressed myself and other Livonia
parents were with the response of your
football players following Friday’s playoff
game at your school. As the game ended,
several of our players were visibly upset
at the outcome, and three of your players
came over to talk to my son and a few other
players. Rather than harass them on the
loss, they offered encouragement and kind
words to the players, basically telling them
they played a great game and that this was
their first-ever playoff win. What class—I
couldn’t have scripted a better life lesson
of great sportsmanship for these kids than
this. I have been to several playoff games as
both my boys play football, but I have never
witnessed such a great response. Your team
deserves congratulations for a great game,
but even more for their sportsmanship.
Thank you.”
– Bruce Cyburt, Livonia Parent
Dr. Gerald D. Hill, Superintendent
VOL. 41 • ISSUE 1
West Bloomfield School District
Office of
Community Relations & Marketing
248-865-6454
www.wbsd.org
Editor/Writer........................ Pamela Zajac
Assistant Editor/Writer............Cynthia Hill
Our Mission:
“The Laker strengthens the
vital relationship between
and the community by clearly
communicating in a timely and
relevant manner the many
successes of our students,
schools and community.”
Printed on Recycled Paper
Dr. Gerald D. Hill
Superintendent
W est B loomfield H igh S chool
248-865-6720
O akland E arly C ollege
248-522-3540
O akland O pportunity A cademy
248-209-2025
W est B loomfield T ransition C enter
248-865-6470
A bbott M iddle S chool
248-865-3670
O rchard L ake M iddle S chool
248-865-4480
D oherty E lementary S chool
248-865-6020
G retchko E lementary S chool
248-865-6570
R oosevelt E lementary S chool
248-865-6620
S cotch E lementary S chool
248-865-3280
S heiko E lementary S chool
248-865-6370
N otice
of
N ondiscrimination :
It is the policy of the West Bloomfield
School District that no person shall, on
the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age, height, weight, religion, marital
status, disability, or sexual orientation,
be excluded from participation in, be
denied the benefits of, or be subject to
discrimination in employment or any of
its programs or activities.
The following person has been
designated to handle inquiries regarding
the nondiscrimination policies:
Mr. Rick Arnett
Deputy Superintendent
for Human Resources
5810 Commerce Road
West Bloomfield MI 48324
(248) 865-6424
What Distinguishes West Bloomfield as a
High Quality School District?
A
s parents contemplate the best places
for their children to learn, what questions
should they be asking themselves and
others? As parents, we want the best for our
children. We want our children to attend
great schools and school districts so that
they have a rich array of choices available
after high school graduation. The elements
that make a school or school district
great are characterized by a healthy, high
functioning learning environment. What are
the components of such an environment
and how does one determine whether
or not it actually exists? To answer these
questions, parents often rely on resources
like GreatSchools, an organization that
reviews schools and school districts. Their
website (www.greatschools.org), offers a
list of characteristics “Five Marks of Healthy
School Culture” and questions to ask in
the due diligence process. Varying a little
from the GreatSchools criteria, I’ve listed
below what I believe are distinguishing
characteristics of a great school and school
district and how WBSD measures up to these
characteristics.
1. Caring, enthusiastic and competent teachers -
Our teachers are student-centered and
enthusiastic about the success of their
students. They communicate effectively
with parents about the progress their
students are making including those
inevitable challenges in the learning
process. West Bloomfield teachers also
are highly competent and continually
look for ways to improve their knowledge
and skills by participating in professional
development and by meeting regularly with
colleagues to share ideas and successful
teaching strategies.
2. Visionary Leaders –
I define leadership as an act, not a position.
There are many leaders within WBSD
including teachers, principals, administrators
and Board Members. Many teachers
continue to participate in the Galileo
Institute for Teacher Leadership Program
dedicated “… to improving the learning
of all students, elevating the education
profession, enhancing the leadership
skills of teachers, and fulfilling the vital
role of public education in achieving a
civil, prosperous and democratic society.”
Each WBSD leader is committed to our
vision of “Educating Students to be Their
Best IN and FOR the World”. Our entire
leadership team is dedicated to continuous
improvement in the areas of teacherstudent growth and development such as
our recent implementation of one-to-one
Chromebooks (grades 5–12) and a one-totwo ratio of electronic devices for grades
K–4. These initiatives allow us to address the
complex learning needs of our students as
we prepare them to successfully meet the
ever-changing demands of the 21st Century.
3. Rigorous Curriculum -
WBSD offers a rigorous and relevant
curriculum based on the Common Core
State Standards adopted by Michigan.
These standards are customized by our
curriculum department, in collaboration
with teachers, to meet students’
needs and are aligned with our local
community’s expectations. As a result,
WBHS offers academic rigor through
twenty-four Advanced Placement courses,
a Medical Mentorship program, an
Engineering Academy, World Languages,
a comprehensive Fine Arts program,
and a vast selection of other programs
including athletics, robotics, DECCA, Student
Government and Law Club. Our curriculum
offers something to pique the interests of all
students.
4. Innovative Instructional and
Strong Student Assessment Systems WBSD also supports innovative instructional
opportunities including collaborative
learning environments, blended learning
(in-class + independent online learning),
numerous STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts, Math) projects, an AVID
(Advancement Via Individual Determination)
program, the Transition Center, Project
Search, the Oakland Early College program,
Cultures of Thinking, and the Social Justice
Program. Regarding student assessment, in
addition to the required State and National
standardized tests, our teachers administer
assessments that evaluate what students
know and are able to do in addition to
guiding instruction for effective learning to
occur in subsequent lessons.
5. Engaged and supportive parents
and community members -
Since we are the public’s schools, this
component is vitally important. WBSD
is a place where parents and community
members work in partnership with teachers,
principals and district leaders to enhance
student safety, welfare, and learning. The
PCN (Parent Communication Network),
composed of PTO leaders from across the
District, meets regularly to discuss ways to
improve communication as well as to learn
about and review how we plan to enhance
student learning. Their feedback is valued.
The WBEF (West Bloomfield Education
Foundation) works tirelessly to provide
teachers and administrators with additional
resources to offer innovative programs
designed to improve student engagement
and learning. Positive working relationships
with West Bloomfield Township, including
the Police and Fire Departments, the
Parks and Recreation Department and the
Public Library help leverage our respective
resources on behalf of our mutual clientele.
Also, we are fortunate that our community
has consistently supported the school
district by passing tax levies, including the
recently approved Building and Site Sinking
Fund. The revenue from this levy allows the
Dr. Gerald D. Hill
district to more proactively maintain the
community’s investment in our educational
facilities.
W
hen each of these components is
solidly in place, students are well positioned
to experience success on many fronts
including academics, fine arts, athletics
and civic involvement. This success also is
the result of students taking responsibility
for their learning in a setting that expects
students to be:
• Engaged in their learning and school environments
• Enthusiastic about learning and taking academic risks
• Curious about the world, its challenges and opportunities
• Participative and collaborative
• Focused on becoming life-long learners and contributors to society
Examples of our students’ success include,
but are not limited, to:
• Nine WBHS students recently recognized in the National Merit Scholarship Program
• A College/University Admissions Fair resulting in $1.8 million in scholarships offered to many of the 115 WBHS students who attended
• 98.3% of WBHS graduates pursue post-secondary education, attending prestigious colleges and universities including Ivy League schools, Stanford, Air Force Academy, West Point, the University of Michigan, Michigan State, and notable local schools such as Oakland University and Wayne State University
• Award winning choral, band, orchestra, theater, film, and DECCA programs
• Competitively successful athletic programs where scholar athletes and sportsmanship are the emphasis
• Recognition as one of the Top High Schools in the U.S. by Newsweek
Considering all aspects important to student
learning and growth, WBSD exemplifies
the profile of a healthy, high-functioning
learning environment. We offer strong
and comprehensive learning systems
supported by teams of competent people
including teachers, administrators, support
staff, parents, the Board of Education
and community members, who work
collaboratively and interdependently to
ensure that each student in our school
district maximizes his or her learning
potential.
As an educator and a parent, I can’t
imagine a better place for students
to thrive and grow!
THE LAKER 2
Educating Students to be their
Best IN and FOR the World!
W B
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November 2014
Curriculum and Instruction
Technology Tools Positively
Impact Learning
by Alesia L. Flye, Assistant Superintendent
Shedding Some Light on
Academic Vocabulary
by Kim Muncie
(for both students and teachers)
Soon after the adoption of the English Language Arts (ELA)
Common Core State Standards, the Common Core State
Standards (CCSS) Initiative published six fundamental shifts for ELA
curriculum design. These shifts were published as a way to guide
all educators (not just ELA teachers) in aligning their instructional
practices in a way that would move students towards mastering the
standards. The six shifts are:
1. Balance Literary and Informational Text
2. Build Knowledge in the Disciplines
3. Provide a Staircase of Text Complexity
4. Create Text-Based Answers
5. Write from Sources
6. Build Academic Vocabulary
T
he West Bloomfield School District has successfully implemented
a 1:1 mobile learning environment in all secondary schools.
In fact, as our entire learning community transitions to classroom
settings where more technology tools are available, students and staff
members are discovering new ways to enhance teaching and learning
via the seamless integration of instructional technology tools.
The significance or magnitude of this impact was beautifully
demonstrated as I recently visited Mr. Stephen Toy’s classroom at
West Bloomfield High School. Mr. Toy was facilitating an English
lesson using literature circles as an instructional strategy. Literature
Circles is a collaborative, student-centered reading strategy that
encourages thoughtful discussion. The goal of literature circles is
to provide a learning environment where students can practice and
develop the skills and strategies of good readers.
Literature circles are . . .
• Guided primarily by student insights and questions
• Structured for student independence, responsibility, & ownership
• Intended as a context in which to apply reading & writing skills
• Reader response centered
• Part of a balanced literacy program
While working in literature circles, students are introduced to four
jobs, including Discussion Directors, Literacy Luminary, Vocabulary
Enricher and Checker. The teacher and students model the task for
each of the four roles and students practice the strategies.
In Mr. Toy’s classroom, all students were engaged in using their
Chromebooks or personal devices to work collaboratively on
documents by using features from the Google suite of applications.
Additionally, Mr. Toy demonstrated some of his learning by using
Google Classroom and real time capabilities of Google Drive to
monitor and provide feedback to his students.
As the district moves into Phase II of this instructional technology
implementation, Chromebooks and tablets are currently being
delivered to all elementary classrooms. Professional development
for staff members will continue, and more importantly, meaningful
learning will continue for all students.
What does it mean, then, to build academic vocabulary?
It helps to first understand that words can be categorized into
three different tiers. In their books Bringing Words to Life: Robust
Vocabulary Instruction and Creating Robust Vocabulary: Frequently
Asked Questions and Extended Examples, Isabel L. Beck, Margaret
G. McKeown, and Linda Kucan describe three levels of words that
students encounter during reading. Tier One words are those
students encounter on a daily basis. These are high frequency
words, used in everyday talking, and typically do NOT have multiple
meanings. Examples of these might be: dog, cat, blue, green,
jump, sing, etc. Tier Two words, referred to in the CCSS as “general
academic words”, appear more often in writing than in speech. They
appear in all sorts of text and can often have multiple meanings
depending on how they are used. Examples might be: formulate,
calibrate, itemize, dignified, determined, etc. Or, they might have
a subtle or precise way to say a simple thing – saunter instead of
walk, chortle instead of giggle. Tier Three words are referred to in
the CCSS as “domain-specific words.” These words are specific to a
particular field of study. These words are often found in glossaries
or bolded in textbooks. Examples would be: filibuster, carburetor,
circumference, aorta, etc. These are important words because they
are key in understanding new concepts within a text or topic of
study.
W
hat tends to happen in classrooms is that Tier Three words get
attention because teachers understand that these words are new
and unfamiliar to most students. These are the words that are most
likely to get discussed and defined prior to coming across them in
the text. They are most likely going to be defined within the text
and/or listed as a “key term” for that chapter or section of text. Tier
Three words are reinforced throughout the lesson and unit. Tier
Two words, however, are less likely to be taught directly. These are
the words that might mean one thing in math and something else
in social studies. These words are not likely to be defined within
the text or easily inferred based on the context. Tier Two words are
tricky because they are relevant across multiple content areas and
yet not the clear responsibility of any one area to teach. Teachers
need to be aware of Tier Two words and determine which ones need
careful attention.
Academic vocabulary is a high yield instructional practice that
teachers are focusing on across the district. Teachers provide
intentional academic vocabulary instruction around Tier Two words
throughout their lessons using research-based strategies. Academic
vocabulary is part of the district Instructional Priorities document
under the “Effective Instructional Practices” section. This document
can be found on the West Bloomfield School District website at
http://wbsd.org/Page/5105.
More information on academic vocabulary and examples of Tier Two
and Tier Three words in context can be found in the
Common Core State Standards Appendix A:
Research Supporting Key Elements of the Standards at
http://www.corestandards.org/assets/Appendix_A.pdf.
Mandarin Chinese
Off to a Great Start!
Kindergarten and first grade students
at Doherty, Gretchko, and Roosevelt
Elementary Schools are enjoying
learning Mandarin Chinese. Some
of the key concepts covered in the
Mandarin Chinese primary curriculum
include learning greetings, counting,
and essential language regarding
family, food, and friends. The
curriculum also includes pictures and
video clips about Chinese culture.
The students are singing in Mandarin
Chinese and each school is integrating
elements of the Chinese Program into
other instructional areas.
At Abbott and Orchard Lake Middle
Schools, students have been eagerly
participating in either an Introduction
to Chinese or a Chinese I Course. Key
concepts are taught at a higher level
and include learning about China;
rules and routines; and basic grammar.
Middle school students receive high
school credit for the Chinese I Course.
WBHS Students are thriving in the
Chinese I Course and they also have
the opportunity to participate in
the newly formed Chinese Club. The
Mandarin Chinese program is another
example of the excellent learning
opportunities that are available in the
West Bloomfield School District.
Ruizhu (Karen) Xie teaches at Gretchko Elementary
Mohan (Aaron) Yang teaches at Abbott and OLMS
(Above) Yuting
(April) Liu teaches
at Doherty and
Roosevlt
(Left) Jia Bin
teaches at
West Bloomfield
High School
THE LAKER Educating Students to be their
November 2014
W B
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3
ECONOMIC FACTORS
and NEXT YEAR’s
BUDGETS and RATES:
The Board of Education and
administration consider many factors
when setting the School District’s fiscal
year budget. The most important
factors affecting the School District
revenue are the student count, the
state foundation allowance, and since
2012-2013, categorical per-pupil
funding for “best practices” and student
academic performance growth as
measured by standardized testing. Total
revenue from state sources accounts
for approximately 90 percent of the
School District revenue. The State also
sets the rates that school districts must
pay each year for retirement expense on
behalf of their school district employees.
For 2014-2015, the net result of all
changes in the aforementioned funding
from state sources combined with
the increase in the retirement rate is
budgeted at a net decrease of $25 on a
per-pupil basis.
The student count is blended, using 90
percent from the October 2014 count
and 10 percent from the February
2015 count. The 2014-2015 budget
was adopted on June 23, 2014 and
was based on a projected enrollment.
Based on early enrollment data at the
start of the 2014-2015 school year, we
anticipate that the fall student count
will be close to the estimates used in
creating the 2014-2015 budget. Once
the final student count and related per
pupil funding are validated, State law
requires the School District to amend
the budget if actual School District
resources are not sufficient to fund
original appropriations.
T
he School District’s revenue is heavily
dependent on the State for funding
and the health of the State’s School
Aid Fund. The actual revenue received
depends on the State’s ability to collect
revenue to fund its appropriation to
school districts. The District will amend
the budget to reflect any change from
the amounts originally budgeted once
the October enrollment is known and all
hiring commitments are complete.
Given the State’s on-going economic
issues, the School District is doing
everything possible to maintain and
enhance programs for students while
continually looking for economies in
all facets of school operations so that
the School District remains competitive
and financially stable. To this end, the
Board of Education is moving forward
with plans to demolish the vacated
Ealy Elementary School and market
the property for sale to prospective
developers. The revenue that may be
generated from such a sale will partially
replenish the General Fund Balance
by providing a significant one-time
revenue source.
Business and Operations
by William Mull, Assistant Superintendent
General Fund Audit Recap for
School Fiscal Year Ended 6/30/14
Public School Districts are required to have an independent audit of their annual financial statements each year. An outside firm that
reports directly to the Board of Education conducts a thorough study of the district financial statements that have been prepared and
presented by the school district’s business office and comments on the validity and accuracy of those financial statements. This process
provides an annual “check and balance” mechanism to ensure that school district resources have been properly classified and accounted
for according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and that taxpayer funding is being utilized within the parameters
allowed by law.
For the 2013-14 school fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2014, our school district worked with Plante and Moran, one of the leading
school audit firms in the State of Michigan. We are pleased to report that Plante and Moran has issued an “unqualified” audit meaning
that the audit was “clean” and that no material discrepancies were found in the dollar amounts or district budgeting, accounting, and
reporting procedures. An unqualified audit is the best report that can be achieved in the audit process.
The school district’s General Fund is the primary fund that encompasses daily instruction and operations. Here are a few highlights from
the audit report for the district’s General Fund:
EXPENDITURES - $63.5 million
REVENUES - $61.9 million
The primary revenue source for the school
district is the State-established Foundation
Grant. This is an annual dollar amount per
student that the State sets and funds for
each school district. Therefore, the number
of pupils the district attracts and retains
is critical to our annual funding. No other
revenue component comes close to the
importance of the Foundation Grant each
year. Last year, the Foundation Grant for
WBSD was $8,676 per pupil.
Local & Other
$3,653,596
5.9%
Federal
$1,915,529
3.1%
State
$7,249,622
11.7%
Here are two views of General Fund expenditures:
By “Object Code”: as this chart
shows, over 83% of the $63.5 million in
expenditures are for the Salaries and
Benefits of school district employees.
This is not surprising because all school
districts are labor intensive. The most
prevalent and expensive cost we have
is for teachers and paraeducators
who work directly with children each
day. All other employees including
administrators support the work of
teachers.
Purchased
Services
$7,961,681
12.5%
Supplies
$2,857,264
4.5%
Foundation Grant
$49,121,797
79.3%
Salaries & Benefits
$52,680,620
83%
By “Function Code”: we’ve already
established that the vast majority of
school district expenditures goes toward
personnel costs. To provide another
layer of detail, this chart shows that over
81% of the $63.5 million in expenditures
goes directly toward Instruction and
Instructional Support. This chart
illustrates that while various resources
are needed to operate the school
district, the vast majority of resources
are allocated where they should be--for
teaching and learning.
Central
Services
$2,099,242
3.3%
Operations,
Maintenance,
Business &
Transportation
$7,868,329
12.4%
Athletics &
Co-Curricular General
$1,167,715 Administration
1.8%
$881,895
1.4%
Instruction &
Instructional Support
$51,482,384
81.1%
FUND BALANCE RECAP:
FUND BALANCE RECAP:
Beginning Fund Balance, July 1, 2013 $ 2.9 million
Revenues
61.9 million
Expenditures
63.5 million
Operating Surplus (Deficit)
(1.6 million)
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 2014 $ 1.3 million
Fund Balance as % of Expenditures
2.0%
On May 7, 2013, the electorate of the West
Bloomfield School District passed a 1.25
mill sinking fund millage for a period of
14 years. The proceeds from the sinking
fund generate in excess of $2 million
per year to finance repair, maintenance,
and improvement projects in the School
District’s school buildings that previously
had no reliable funding source. The
The district fund balance of $1.3 million, which equates to approximately 2%
of last year’s annual operating expenditures, is not at a level that is deemed
to be sufficient. The Board of Education’s fund balance target protocol is to
maintain a fund balance of 10%
of annual operating expenditures. In today’s legislative climate for public
education, it will be a difficult challenge to not only maintain our fund balance
position but also to gradually restore it to the target 10% threshold. Some
benefits of maintaining an adequate fund balance are:
• Minimizing the need to borrow on a short-term basis to meet cash flow
• Preventing operating with a structural deficit
• Flexibility in adjusting spending during the school year
• Helps with maintaining credit ratings
passage of the millage has been critical
for the district to maintain and protect its
significant investment in facilities.
In a very positive sign of crucial support
from the community, two critical millage
renewals for operations were renewed
by the electorate on February 25, 2014.
Both the 18-mill levy on non-homestead
properties and the “hold harmless” levy
on all School District properties (3.83 mills
for 2014-2015) that were set to expire on
December 31, 2014 were renewed for ten
years. These two millages combine for
$1,970 per pupil or 22.5% of the School
District’s total foundation allowance of
$8,726 for 2014-2015.
THE LAKER 4
W B
 
November 2014
“Starr” Engineers
by Pamela Starr
Full Steam Ahead – A Look to the Future
What do engineers have in common with fourth graders at
Roosevelt? Both imagine, design, and create. Children are
naturals at imagining, and designing!
The students in my class have begun
weekly engineering challenges
that the class calls “fun-gineering”.
During their first challenge when
asked who can be an engineer, one
student excitedly shouted, “We are
ALL engineers!”
STEAM = SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The engineering process involves
a six-step plan: Imagine, plan,
create, experiment, improve, and
ask. By going through each of these
steps, the students are gaining an
understanding of the
8 Science and Engineering Practices:
1) Asking questions and defining problems
2) Developing and using models
3) Planning and carrying out investigations
4) Analyzing and interpreting data
5) Using mathematics and computational thinking
6) Constructing explanations and designing solutions
7) Engaging in argument from evidence
8) Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
In our first engineering
challenge, the initial task was to
imagine how to take a stack of
notecards and create a 3-D tower
strong enough to hold heavy
objects. We planned, designed,
and then experimented. The
first time, the towers crashed!
So then it was back to the
drawing board with their teams
to brainstorm a stronger, more
stable structure. Success!!!
Every group’s tower held heavy objects!
It was wonderful to see all students engaged; to witness them
forging ahead, going back to their designs to problem solve,
even when it was tough...the first try, second try, and even the
third try without giving up! It is a process, and we are learning
that by collaboration with others and persistence, success is
experienced.
Look out NASA! Here we come!
interpreted through ENGINEERING &
the ARTS, all based in
MATHEMATICAL elements.
Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about STEAM programs. What does
STEAM stand for and what does it mean for students when a STEAM
framework is established in a school district?
The acronym STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering,
Arts and Math. STEAM allows these disciplines to be creatively
interconnected using all available resources. STEAM offers a way to
formally explore the inter-relationships between subjects. While the
traditional approach is to teach subjects separately, STEAM programs
employ a project-based approach that more closely aligns with what
students experience in college and in the workforce. STEAM programs
incorporate the arts into their framework recognizing that to be
successful in technical fields, individuals also must be creative and use
critical thinking skills. The goal is to foster the true innovation that comes
from combining the mind of a scientist or technologist with that of an
artist or designer.
WBSD already is experiencing this integration to some extent. Gretchko
students are taught how to think like a Scientist, use Technology to
explore, create like an Engineer, express themselves through Art and
use Mathematics to solve challenges. Students are engaged in handson activities that that promote critical thinking skills while focusing
on collaboration and teamwork. At Roosevelt, the 4th grade “Starr”
Engineers are honing their critical thinking skills through hands-on
problem solving. Robotics programs at the middle schools and high
school offer more opportunities to integrate skill sets. These are but a
few examples of coursework that incorporates more than one discipline
into the curriculum.
In the coming months, the WBSD will be evaluating how and where to
add to the STEAM momentum.
LOOK WHO’S PACKING!!
Blessings in a Backpack
by Katherine Sheiko
Many thanks to our administrators and Board Members who
joined in helping our volunteers pack bags of food for the
Blessings in a Backpack (BIAP) program.
Introduced last year at Roosevelt Elementary School, BIAP has
expanded this year to include the students of Doherty and
Sheiko Elementary. This program provides six nonperishable
meals each weekend to students who qualify for the Free and
Reduced Lunch Program.
Run totally by volunteers, we purchase, pack, and deliver over
230 bags of food each week to students at the three schools.
If you would like to register your child for the program, email
Kathy Sheiko at katherinesheiko@hotmail.com. Donations are
still needed to feed students this year and beyond. $100 feeds a
child for 40 weekends during the school year.
2014 Parenting
Education Fair
The 2014 Parenting Education
Fair is expanding its reach
and participation to become
the Western Oakland County
Parenting Education Fair.
The newly formed partnership
with the PTOs and staff from
West Bloomfield School District,
Farmington Schools, Huron Valley
Schools, Oakland County Youth
Assistance, Oakland Schools,
Walled Lake Schools and Oakland
Community College is planning
an expanded parenting education
experience.
Featuring Keynote Speaker, Jim
Fay, author of Love and Logic, the
2014 Western Oakland County
Parenting Education Fair will be
Saturday, November 22, 2014, at
Walled Lake Northern High School,
6000 Bogie Lake Road, Commerce.
Superintendent Dr. Hill stated
“West Bloomfield School District
is pleased to be a partner in the
Western Oakland County Parenting
Education Fair. Public education
is a continual collaboration with
parents, students, staff and the
community. That’s exactly what
this powerful Parenting Fair is
about.
There will be more than 20
different sessions to attend,
divided into two tracts, one for
elementary parents and one for
secondary parents. The topics
range from bullying to health and
nutrition to college preparation.
If you want to share your
experiences with other parents
and learn about new resources
to help you in your journey as
a parent, attend the Western
Oakland County Parenting
Education Fair on Saturday,
November 22.”
The Parenting Fair has a 22-year
tradition in providing parents
and care givers information and
resources to educate, inform and
keep them up-to-date on all issues
for and about children and teens.
For information or to make a tax-deductible donation by credit
card, see www.blessingsinabackpack.org.
Donations by check are made out to:
NWCF—Blessings in a Backpack-WB/KH and mailed to:
Blessings in a Backpack
1120 E. Long Lake Rd. Troy, Mi 48085
See Page 16 for more information.
Top: Administrators and volunteers help stuff backpacks.
Bottom, Dorene Doane, Cindy Hill and Suzanne Fogarasi.
November 2014
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5
Focus on Our Schools
Welcome New
Board Members
congratulates and welcomes
our two newly elected Board
of Education members, Stacy
Brickman and Cristina Elsen. The
new members will be seated on
January 1, 2015 with six-year terms
of office.
The school board is responsible
for carrying out mandatory laws
as expressed in the Michigan
Constitution and Michigan
Statutes, Federal Laws and
Regulations relating to schools
and school districts. The three
main responsibilities of the board
are: hiring the superintendent,
adopting policies and adopting the
budget.
Leader in Me - Sheiko
Doherty
Readers IN and FOR the World Leadership Continues to Grow
by Alyse Attenson
Doherty Elementary first grade students are working with Orchard
Lake Middle School students on developing reading concepts and
building literacy skills. The benefits are twofold: research shows
that younger children learn
from and respond to older
children. Older children’s
skills and knowledge are
reinforced when working
with younger students.
The program not only is
strengthening skills but also
is fostering relationships
among the children.
Participants in the weekly
literacy buddy programs are
students in Alyse Attenson’s and Lisa Reed’s classrooms at Doherty.
Literary buddies from Orchard Lake Middle School are students in
Jianna Taylor’s and Michele Wujcik’s classes.
Annual FundRun Huge Success! by Kelly Denawetz
Stacy Gold Brickman
Has lived in West Bloomfield
Township for 13 years and has been
an active volunteer within WBSD.
She is the parent
of 3 daughters,
two of whom
are current
WBSD students.
Mrs. Brickman’s
school district
involvement
has included
membership on WBSD Finance
Committee; School Enrollment
and Facility Committee; Executive
Producer/Business Manager for
OLMS Music Theater Dept; Co-chair
of the 2014 WBSD Millage Renewal
Campaign; and developer, organizer
and chair of nine WB “Fun Runs”
(school fundraisers).
Cristina Maria Elsen
Has lived in Keego Harbor for 10
years and is the parent of 4 WBSD
students. An
active volunteer in
WBSD, Mrs. Elsen
is a current WBEF
Board member
and WBEF Adhoc
Committee
member; a
Roosevelt
Elementary PTO officer since 2011;
part of the Blessings in a Backpack
(BIAP) Steering Committee and
fundraiser committee; and the
co-coordinator of the Roosevelt
Elementary Ski Club.
We also extend our sincere thanks
to both outgoing Board members,
Mrs. Raman Singh and Mr. David
Einstandig, for their years of
dedication and service to West
Bloomfield School District.
THE LAKER 6
by Carrie Bulbuk
Sheiko Elementary School is continuing our journey of being a
“Leader In Me” school. This fall students have learned the 7 Habits
of Happy Kids through class discussions, assemblies, literature, &
activities:
1. Be Proactive - "You're in Charge"
2. Begin with the End in Mind "Have a Goal and Create a Plan"
3. Put First Things First - "Work First, Then Play"
4. Think Win-Win - "Everyone Can Win"
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood "Listen before you Speak"
6. Synergize - "Together is Better"
7. Sharpen the Saw - "Balance Feels Best"
Students and teachers have
been using these principles
during all aspects of the
school day.
Students have discovered
their leadership skills and
displayed them on their
lockers.
Classes have created classroom mission statements to guide them
and provide daily purpose.
Students have been given leadership opportunities including
broadcasting leaders who create and do our morning
announcements, student council leaders, hallway leaders, and more.
In the iCenter, 5th graders have worked in leadership teams to
create mini lessons for their classmates. Sheiko has created Plus/
Delta charts that provide a visual representation of our continuous
improvement. We are using them with our behaviors in the
cafeteria. Classes are setting goals for their learning.
This year, Scotch Elementary students raised over $35,000 during
their annual FundRun. All grades participated in this fun event by
running 20 minutes each.
They learned how to be proactive during a special assembly that
included tips on how to carry their own weather in order to be in
charge of their mood.
Gretchko Happenings
• First grade students are participating in “Gretchko Gems,” a
leadership program that offers the opportunity to become a role
model by helping our school community. Recycling, helping in the
lunchroom and monitoring the hallways are some of the ways that
students are leading by example.
• Gretchko is starting their first Junior First Lego League, an afterschool opportunity that will support their S.T.E.A.M. focus. The
team will design a Lego model that represents a given challenge.
Students will present their solution at the spring science fair.
OEC students audition for Motown the
Musical . . . .
Abbott Students Collect
429 Pairs of Socks for SOCKTOBER!
Two OEC students auditioned
for the Motown the Musical
traveling company! Aria
Charaman, 12th Grader and
Christiana Perrault, 13th
Grader are waiting to find
out whether or not they
were cast for the production.
The auditions were held in
Motown’s original recording
studio, Studio A, on West Grand Boulevard where many of the
Motown legends recorded. Berry Gordy, Jr. was onsite during
auditions.
Socktober is a movement through social media to distribute socks
to the homeless. This is the second year for the initiative led by Kid
President, a You Tube sensation who sends wonderful messages
to kids and adults alike. Abbott WEB (Where Everyone Belongs)
students have taken his challenge to heart and collected socks for
My Brother’s Keeper, a homeless shelter in Detroit. Abbott WEB
is a course where students develop leadership skills that focus on
written and verbal communication, organization strategies, and
propvide many community involvement opportunities.
The goal was to collect 300 pairs of socks by the end of the month.
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November 2014
Kudos!
Students Admitted to College
Without Leaving The High School -
(continued from page 1)
National Merit
Commended Students
Over $1.8 Million in Scholarships
Awarded!
For many colleges and universities, November 1st is the deadline
for early consideration for admission. West Bloomfield High School
beats that deadline each year by conducting an annual College OnSite Admissions Fair.
National Merit Commended Students
Rachel Walls, Sara Cahn,Jonathan Collier, Rio Mizuno
Additionally, our congratulations to Sara Cahn, Jonathan Collier, Rio
Mizuno and Rachel Walls who reached Commended status in the
National Merit scholarship competition. An acknowledgement of
outstanding academic promise, only 3% of U.S. high school seniors
receive this honor.
Sheiko Teacher Chosen for US-China
Educator Exchange Program
Congratulations to Blaine McDowell, Sheiko third grade teacher,
on being selected for the first US-China Educator Intercultural
Exchange Program. The 15-day teaching exchange program will
host 15 educators from across the globe in China’s top K-12 schools.
Educators/teachers are invited to give their original content lessons
in Chinese classrooms, attend discussion panels, and education
reform seminars hosted by central and local government officials.
The goal is to improve teaching methods and establish sister school
relationships through open dialogue between China and U.S.
educators.
Galileo Leaders Conference
The Galileo Leaders and their principals attended a conference on
“Creating a Culture of Achievement”. The audience included all of
the current Galileo leaders across lower Michigan.
The Galileo Leadership is designed to advance the development
of teacher leadership to ensure high levels of learning for all.
Galileo Institute for Teacher Leadership is dedicated to improving
the learning of all students, elevating the education profession,
enhancing the leadership skills of teachers, and fulfilling the
vital role of public education in achieving a civil, prosperous and
democratic society. The commitment to the concept of developing
teacher leaders, to defining what teacher leadership is and why it is
so important, is at the heart of the institute.
THE LAKER Monetarily, the event also was a resounding success. Over $1.8
million in scholarships were awarded that day. Additionally, many
of the participating schools
waived their application
fees and all waived the ACT
score fees.
Each representative
spent time with students
individually discussing
transcripts, test scores,
extracurricular activities and
college plans. One student
remarked that the experience was “empowering and reassuring”
while another commented, “…now that I got accepted I am very
proud of myself”.
WBHS Freshman Earns Distinction for
Science Project
WBHS Principal Pat Watson, Alycia Chase, Erin Wynn, Abbott Principal Amy
Hughes, Tami Lamerato, Stasi Mortimore and OLMS Principal Morrison Borders.
The 2013-15 Galileo co-hort from our district includes Tami
Lamerato, Erin Wynn, Stasi Mortimore and Alycia Chase. However,
the WBSD has 26 Galileo leaders.
On October 15, seniors had the
opportunity to meet with admissions
counselors from 15 colleges and
universities including Central Michigan
University, Western Michigan University,
Lake Superior State University, Michigan
Tech, Bowling Green State University,
Grand Valley State University, University of
Michigan-Dearborn, Oakland Community
College, Eastern Michigan University,
Northwood University, Baker College, and
Saginaw Valley State University. Of the
over 100 seniors who attended the fair,
98% received on the spot admission to at
least one institution.
Rishabh Parekh was recently named a semifinalist in the annual
Broadcom MASTERS, the
nation’s most prestigious
Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math
(STEM) competition. The
Broadcom MASTERS
inspires middle school
students to follow their
passion. Nominees
qualified to enter the
competition by being
among the top 10%
Rishabh Parekh with his science fair project
participants in their
SSP-affiliated science fairs.
Of the 2,054 applicants, 300 semifinalists were chosen with only 3
selected from the state of Michigan. A team of scientists, engineers
and educators evaluated the projects submitted.
Rishabh’s project was titled “I Can See! An Image Detection
Algorithm on Raspberry Pi that Helps the Visually Impaired”
The purpose of the experiment was to create an image detection
system called “RP Eye” for visually impaired people. The “RP Eye” can
be controlled by a voice command system similar to SIRI and runs
on an inexpensive hardware like Raspberry PI.
He came up with the idea from observing a special needs child as
he walked through the hallways at school and from reading science
books. He then volunteered his time with the Detroit Agency for
the Blind and Visually Impaired to more closely observe the visually
impaired. Rishabh developed the project while a student at Orchard
Lake Middle School under the sponsorship of science teacher, Mrs.
Andrea Williams.
District Receives
Media and Print
Awards
was named a winner in the
annual Michigan School Public
Relations Association (MSPRA)
Communications Contest. The
District Overview brochure earned
a Distinguished Achievement award
in the publication category. The
brochure was designed and created
by Pamela Zajac, WBSD Public
Relations and Marketing Coordinator
for the district. Commendable
Achievement awards were received
in the video/DVD category for two
programs in the “A Closer Look”
series. Pamela Zajac, together with
CCTV, produced the award-winning
TV series which airs on Channel 19.
The MSPRA contest is held to promote
quality and recognize excellence in
professional school communications.
Entries were received from across the
state of Michigan.
WBHS and OLMS
Teachers Present at
National Conference
Alycia Chase (WBHS) and Stasi
Mortimore (OLMS) in collaboration
with two educators from other
districts presented an engaging way
to teach the last unit of the high
school U.S. History curriculum at the
Michigan Council for Social Studies
Conference. Now, they are headed
to Boston to present the same topic
at the National Council for Social
Studies Conference.
“We began this effort with Oakland
Schools in April 2013 with the goal of
coming up with a clever way to teach
the end of the U.S. History curriculum
so it was not just the same old ‘march
of presidents’,” explained Alycia Chase.
The unit examines historical events
post-World War II and then looks
at the role of the information age
as well as the impact of increasing
partisanship and polarization. The
curriculum will be posted online for
teacher use this spring.
Teen Court
WBHS students in Mrs. Chase’s class
are going to court. Teen Court is
a real court that takes place at the
48th District Court and the 51st
District Court. Students are trained
and participate in cases about 4
times per month becoming the
attorneys, jurors and bailiffs for actual
juvenile misdemeanor defendants.
The program, in partnership with
the Oakland County Prosecuting
Attorney’s Office, has been a highlight
in Mrs. Chase’s class for over 10 years.
November 2014
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7
FOCUS ON FINE ARTS
Laker Express and “The Man”
Seniors 65+
Get Free Admission
to District Events!
Laker Senior Gold Cards are
available for our West Bloomfield
School District senior residents.
Gold Cards allow senior citizens
(65+) to attend school district
events such as plays, athletic games
and musical performances
FREE OF CHARGE.
Laker Senior Gold Cards are
available at district schools and at
the Administrative and Community
Services Building, 5810 Commerce
Road, West Bloomfield MI 48324.
Cards are non-transferable and
may only be used by the registered
senior. Gold Cards may not be
used for facility use, room rentals,
tuition based programs or MHSAA
Tournament events. The Laker Gold
Card must be presented at the
ticket booth in order to receive a
complimentary ticket.
Come and enjoy what
has to offer!
West Bloomfield
Youth Assistance
West Bloomfield Youth Assistance
(WBYA) is a non-profit organization
that offers professional counseling
services and prevention programs
for families residing
within the West
Bloomfield School
District. Confidential
services are provided to
children of all ages and
their families through
the WBYA office at
WBHS. WBYA’s goal is to keep children
in school and out of the court system.
Support services are available for
truancy, shoplifting or situations
where no illegal act has occurred
but where a child may have a recent
change in attitude or behavior,
families who are coping with divorce
or other serious issues. Referrals to
obtain services can be made by a
parent or other relative, a concerned
citizen, school staff or the police.
Casework and counseling services are
free with a one-time $25 processing
fee. No child will be refused services
because of the inability to pay. For
information, visit WBYouthAssistance.
org or call 248-592-1278.
Laker Express recently was honored to perform at a special going
away event at the BASF Corporation Southfield location. Juan Carlos
Ordonez, Senior VP BASF North America, was taken by surprise on his
last day in the office as WBHS student, Perry Quarker, led the choir
in a song dedicated to “The Man”, with lyrics written by Sheri Hauk.
BASF Southfield employees joined Laker Express in serenading Juan
Carlos who was humbled by the presentation. BASF searched for the
“best choir” to perform for the occasion, and found Laker Express.
BASF has now become a friend and partner to the West Bloomfield
School District.
2014 MSVMA Regional Honors Choir
Congratulations to the following WBHS Choral students who
auditioned and have been invited to be an exclusive member of the
2014 MSVMA Regional Honors Choir:
Austin Albert, Brooke Bain, Ilyssa Brunhild, Zay Douglas, Cyndee
Graham, Gabby Lowenthal and Joseph Trate. These elite vocalists
will be part of a selective choir that performs December 6 at South
Lyon High School. They also will compete for a State and All-State
honor. Thank you, everyone, for your support of these students and
your commitment to vocal music.
West Bloomfield High School Marching
Band Takes 9th in State
The 84 member marching band, along with other top high school
bands in the state, put on the performance of their season during
the MCBA State Finals at Ford Field on November 1. The day
was filled with outstanding, high-energy programs including
phenomenal sound and choreography. The WBHS performance,
titled “Rise and Fall” included music from Dies Irae (Mozart Requiem)
and Lux Arumque (Eric Whitaker). The sophisticated production was
the culmination of thousands of hours of dedication, hard work
and commitment from the talented young performers under the
direction of Chad Mielens, Director of the Bands; Pat McLaughlin,
WBHS Director of Marching Band and Drumline; and Mark
Dedeckere, Caption Head WBHS Bands, Color and Winter Guard and
their staffs. Congratulations to all!
Above, Perry Quarker leads the employees in song along with Laker Express, who
all held Juan Carlos images during their performance. (Above right) Juan Carlos
Ordonez listens as his employees thank him for his leadership.
WBHS Marching Band performs the award winning “Rise and Fall”
Fine Arts Calendar
(Note that program times and locations are subject to change)
December 6: WBHS Theatre Children’s Show, Fantastic Mr. Fox, WBHS Auditorium at 2:00pm
December 9: All City Orchestra Concert (OLMS, Abbott, WBHS), WBHS Auditorium at 7:00pm
December 11: WBHS Band Concert, WBHS Auditorium at 7:00pm
April Tini conducts combined 6th, 7th and 8th grade OLMS Choirs
December 12: Laker Express at Greenfield Village
December 15: WBHS Choir Concert, WBHS Auditorium at 7:00pm
OLMS Choir Concert
December 17: OLMS Choir Concert, OLMS Cafeteria at 7:00pm
On October 21, led by Mrs. April Tini, the Orchard Lake Middle
School Choir did what they do best: entertain and inspire. The OLMS
choir sang in front of a packed house of parents, students, family,
and friends.
This was an fantastic evening, highlighting one more reason why it is
great to be a Viking! Join us at our upcoming Holiday Choir Concert
on Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 pm in the OLMS cafeteria.
January 21: Abbott 6th Grade Band Concert, AMS at 7:00pm
February 4: MIFA Dinner Theatre, Strange Kindness, WBHS
February 6: Orchard Lake Student Film Festival,
WBHS Auditorium at 7:30pm
February 16: Scotch 3rd Grade Concert,
Scotch Elementary at 6:00pm
April 30-May 2: Spring Musical, Into the Woods, WBHS Auditorium
THE LAKER 8
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November 2014
West Bloomfield Schools
(Coach Teaches On and OFF the Field, continued from page 1)
Hill: You can see that from the stands. You can see the players really playing together
and supporting each other. When a player makes a mistake on the field, how do you
handle that as a coach?
Bellamy: One of the things that we try to do as coaches is put our kids in a lot of
pressure situations during practice. Practice is harder than the games for us but then
Friday nights become a little less stressful. I tell the boys “don’t blink” which means
take one play at a time. Whether it’s a positive or negative play, have selective amnesia;
remember why that happened whether it’s good or bad and move on to the next play.
Hill: What’s your philosophy as a coach and as an educator?
Bellamy: My philosophy is be yourself. I think a lot of times coaches tend to stray away
from what they believe in and sometimes let other people influence your decisions.
Establish rules. When there are no rules, there is no common ground and then it’s
chaotic. Build and maintain relationships with student athletes. I believe this in the
classroom and on the playing fields. You can get a kid to do anything you want them
to do if you build that special relationship with them. Involve the assistant coaches, be
organized and have a vision of what you want to accomplish.
Hill: And does your team buy into your vision?
West Bloomfield Schools
Join us as we kick off the
Pine Cone and Pine Tree Reading Programs
Friday, December 5, 2014 - Tuesday, December 10, 2014
In addition to PC and PT books, ALL purchases will result in a
20% donation to our school libraries.
(This includes any café purchases and cheesecake orders – see attached form)
However, you MUST tell the cashier that your are
purchasing through the West Bloomfield Book Fair.
Join us as we kick off the
Pine Cone and
Pine Tree Reading Programs
Shop any day, any time!
Friday, December 5, 2014 - Tuesday, December 10, 2014
Or stop by on the following day/time to shop and visit with your school librarian:
Friday, December 5: Sheiko (Mrs. Bulbuk) 4:30-6:30 pm
In addition to PC and PT books, ALL purchases will result in a
Saturday, December
6: Doherty
Abeska)
11:00 am–1:00 pm
20% donation
to our(Mrs.
school
libraries.
(This
includes
any café
cheesecake
orders
– see 11:00-1:00
attached form)
Sunday,
December
7:purchases
Gretchko and
and Roosevelt
(Mr.
Atkinson)
pm
Monday, December 8: Scotch (Mrs. Betts) 6:30 – 8:30 pm
However, you MUST tell the cashier that your are
* The Scotch
Choirthe
willWest
be performing
at Book
6:30 pm!
purchasing
through
Bloomfield
Fair.
Bellamy: Absolutely. I set it up where there are long-term goals but also short-term
goals in the process. You know, before we clinched the playoff spot, I wouldn’t let the
kids talk about the playoffs because we still had a job to do. And now, the ultimate longterm goal is the state championship.
Hill: Let’s talk about at the bigger picture. Look at the relationship between
participating in athletics and academics. What kind of connections do you see and stress
with your students and athletes?
Bellamy: I have the luxury of teaching a Sprint (academic resource) class here at the
high school. I have an all boy class and a lot of them are athletes, not just football but
across the board. I think I have their ear a little more than anyone else because I’ve been
there before. I emphasize to them that no college coach is ever going to take a chance
on a kid who is borderline academically unless you’re an exceptional talent. We talk
about grades, grades, grades. Every time they want to bring it to sports, I say, “well, let’s
talk about what you’re doing in the classroom.” And that’s the big tie-in—without an
education, athletics at some time has to end.
Shop any day, any time!
Or stop by on the following day/time to shop and visit with your school librarian:
Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online through December 14, 2014
Friday, December 5: Sheiko (Mrs. Bulbuk) 4:30-6:30 pm
by entering Bookfair ID 11468147 at checkout.
Saturday, December 6: Doherty (Mrs. Abeska) 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Sunday, December 7: Gretchko and Roosevelt (Mr. Atkinson) 11:00-1:00 pm
Monday, December 8: Scotch (Mrs. Betts) 6:30 – 8:30 pm
* The Scotch Choir will be performing at 6:30 pm!
Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online through December 14, 2014
by entering Bookfair ID 11468147 at checkout.
Hill: I understand from Athletic Director Eric Pierce that the GPA has gone up
significantly. How did that happen?
Bellamy: The administrators at the high school and I have done a good job of
identifying the kids coming from middle school. For the most part, we don’t get many
transfer students so we know who we’re getting. We know some of their academic
struggles and we try to tackle them right away. The biggest thing is developing learning
strategies. My freshmen kids coming in have to read a ton of novels throughout the
school year. One of the biggest issues is how to properly annotate or when they’re
taking vocab quizzes, how to use flashcards. They need different strategies to be
successful in the classroom. Once they build those, it’s with them for the rest of their
academic careers.
West Bloomfield High School
Choir Fundraiser & Performance
with the Detroit Red Wings
Hill: Back to the team, what did you start out with as your greatest challenge this year?
Bellamy: I knew we had a talented team because we were returning a lot from last year’s
team but we needed to nip “I” in the bud. There is no “I” in team. Don’t get me wrong;
I want every kid to strive for success. I want every kid to have a goal to play college
football if that’s what they choose. But for me, it was Team, Team, Team; Team Team,
Team! That was our message and the kids bought into it. It took a little time but now,
they could care less about individuals. 7 in 1 sounds a lot better than ME.
Hill: What are the most satisfying aspects of coaching at the high school level?
Bellamy: To see the boys grow up and turn into young men. This is my sixth year at the
high school as an assistant and then head coach. I’ve gotten an opportunity to see
kids graduate from college now. Looking at them and seeing the success that they’ve
developed is the most encouraging thing for me. It’s not so much about me; it’s about
the boys.
New York Islanders vs. DETROIT RED WINGS
Friday, December 19 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Detroit Red Wings are pleased to extend a special offer to all West Bloomfield High School Choir
members, friends, family and supporters! $5 from EVERY ticket purchased through the West
Bloomfield High School Choral Department will go directly back to the WB Choral Boosters!
The choir will perform on the East Gate Steps of Joe Louis Arena 1.5 hours prior to puck drop!
Hill: Do you have any closing thoughts for the whole student body in terms of the
experience and success of this football team?
Bellamy: Without the student body, none of this would have been possible. The
students, teachers and administrators have been phenomenal. None of this could have
been done without the support of everyone at the school. So I say thank you and please
continue to support us.
Ticket Price:
$40.00 - Upper Level, Offense End and Corners, Rows 11-15
$14 off the box office price, and NO per ticket service fees!
Hill: Coach Bellamy, it’s been a pleasure talking with you today. I know the players are
real proud of you and what they’ve accomplished. The whole community is excited
about what’s happening. But I think most importantly, the process you’re using in terms
of building young people and emphasizing the important things is a tribute to you as a
coach and an educator.
Order your tickets today!
Contact:
Tracy Salzeider
(248) 225-4848
cottageandcastleinteriors@gmail.com
Jenna Michlin | Group Event Account Executive
Jenna.Michlin@Hockeytown.com | 313-471-7408
Bellamy: Thank you!
November 2014
W B
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9
S afeline
has designed the Safeline
program to S
keep track of
children in the elementary and
middle schools. When a child is
going to be absent, the parent
may call a special Safeline
number from 6:00 p.m. until
school start time the following
morning. The parent of any
child who is absent with an
unreported absence, will
be called shortly after the
beginning of the school day.
Safeline Numbers:
Doherty248-865-6002
Gretchko248-865-6572
Roosevelt 248-865-6622
Scotch248-865-3282
Sheiko248-865-6372
Abbott248-865-3672
OLMS248-865-4482
WBHS248-865-6722
WBTC248-539-0601
Ways To Stay
Connected With Us:
Website:
www.wbsd.org
Broadcast Email:
To subscribe to the district's
broadcast email mailing list:
visit www.wbsd.org and click on
the SUBSCRIBE link on the lower
right margin
Athletic Website:
westbloomfieldathletics.com
Community Education:
www.wbcommed.org
248-865-6462
WBTV Channel 19
WBHS Twitter:
WBLAKERNATION
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/wbsdk12
Facebook:
facebook.com/
WestBloomfieldSchools
Alumni Facebook:
https://www.facebrook.com/
groups/700954019927536
Contact Us:
State and community leaders gathered at West Bloomfield High School to officially launch a new initiative allowing students and community members to report
threats. Photo courtesy of Sonya Gast
Recently, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette told 150
West Bloomfield High School students that the state is trying
to prevent school violence through a new student confidential
hotline and safety initiative called OK2SAY.
OK2SAY enables students to confidentially report potential harm
or criminal activities aimed at students, teachers, staff or other
school employees. The program will operate as an early warning
system in schools to thwart tragedies before they occur.
even one life. “It shatters that whole model of don’t be a snitch
and breaks that culture of silence, ushering in a new culture of
responsibility and communication. It is safe and confidential.”
Information submitted to OK2SAY is CONFIDENTIAL, so your identity
is safe. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Please submit a tip using any of the following ways:
“This is a way to stop violence in schools before it occurs,” said
Schuette, who believes the initiative will be successful if it saves
Call: 8-555-OK2SAY (8-555-652729)
Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
Email: OK2SAY@mi.gov
Kids Empowered:
Kids In Charge
It is Meanness or Bullying?
In October, Kids Empowered helped 5th grade students learn the
difference between meanness and bullying and how to stand up for
themselves in both situations. The inter-active content included how
choices impact who you are; friendly/unfriendly classmate behavior;
dealing with gossip, mean texts and overcoming peer pressure.
In addition to the student assemblies, a program for parents of
students in grades 4-8 was also held.
Kids Empowered offers programs and training to empower children,
parents and professionals to deal with unfriendly classmates and
friends, bullying, relational aggression and to build confidence,
emotional intelligence, self-esteem, fitness and social skills. The
Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition and West Bloomfield
Youth Assistance sponsored the WBSD programs.
SEXTING:
Truth and Consequences
Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper does not like seeing
kids on a professional basis, so she believes in heading off crimes in
the classroom rather than prosecuting them in the courtroom. Cell
phones make it easy for young people to end up being either the
instigator of a crime or a victim. That’s why Cooper has given over
300 presentations to school groups about the laws associated with
the technology so many kids use.
The prosecutor spoke to students at both Abbott and Orchard Lake
Middle Schools about bullying, privacy, predators, and why sexting
is such a serious crime. The TRUTH: Asking someone under the age
of 18 to take an explicit photo of themselves, or taking an explicit
photo of someone under 18 is a 20-year felony. Forwarding a photo
of someone under the age of 18 is a 7-year felony. Possessing it is a
4-year felony.
Students were interviewed following the presentation and asked
what they learned and what surprised them about what Cooper had
shared with them. OLMS 6th grader Luke Stifter stated “On the
internet, try not to post a lot of stuff on Instagram or Twitter or
whatever you are using. Try and be careful!”
Kids in Charge, a substance abuse education program, has been
offered to West Bloomfield School District elementary students
for the past 25 years. Sponsored by the Greater West Bloomfield
Community Coalition, this program is presented in grades 1-5
by specially trained volunteers. The curriculum consists of ageappropriate lessons on the risks of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
There is an emphasis on refusal skills and on making safe, healthy
choices. This year, Kids in Charge, will directly benefit 1,954 students
in our five elementary schools.
The Kids in Charge program has been proven to have a positive,
long-lasting impact on student behavior. According to the
nationally recognized 2012 Pride Survey administered to 8th grade
students, drug usage rates in the West Bloomfield School District
were significantly below national averages. In 2012, marijuana use
among 8th graders during the 30-day period prior to the survey
was 6.6% nationally as compared to West Bloomfield’s usage rate
of 1.3%. Alcohol consumption on a national level was 11.2% as
compared to West Bloomfield’s 1.8%. For more information on Kids in Charge or the Greater West
Bloomfield Community Coalition, go to www.gwbcoalition.org.
Chloe Bowyer, OLMS 6th
grader, thought it was
interesting to learn about
“how many people on the
internet are not real, that
they are predators, and that
they are trying to find out
information about you.”
Key’Aira Wallace 6th grader
at OLMS said, “Spreading
rumors, and taking pictures
and sending it to people is
not a good idea because
they can take it and press
charges.”
Cooper emphasized other
facts that surprised many
students. The cell phones
they “own” are not really
theirs. Parents must sign
contracts that allow them
to have phones.
And, using a computer to
commit a crime brings a
$20,000 fine.
Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper
does not like seeing kids on a professional
basis, so she is speaking to students across
the county about Sexting.
www.wbsd.org select: Let’s Talk!
THE LAKER 10
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November 2014
Thank You for
Supporting the
TOI TEDDY Project
at OEC! by Lisa Maddalena
Around the district
WBHS Law Club Sweetest day Fundraiser volunteers sold and delivered 191 carnations making a lot of people happy!
86 students packed the classroom for Ms. Zanotti’s VOLUNTARY Human Biology review session! Ms. Zanotti stated, “The kids are amazing and
they really care about being successful in class and wanted to make sure to have as much additional help for the Epithelial Tissue Test.
Credit goes out to the students!!! I am so proud of them!”
WBHS Girls Varsity Volleyball Team
tours Alma College and its athletic
facilities. A great opportunity to
learn abouit college and college
volleyball!
Congratulations to the West
Bloomfield Varsity Volleyball team
who advanced to the District
Finals. The Lady Lakers swept a
match in three games against a
tough Walled Lake Central squad
by the scores of 25-17, 25-23, and
25-18. This put the Lakers one win
away from returning home to West
Bloomfield to participate in the
Regionals.
Fuel Up To Play 60
Jacob Morris with his bike and mom Cheri.
At Sheiko, students kicked off a program
called Fuel Up to Play 60 in October.
Students in Colleen Miller’s and other
classes participated in National Walk/
Bike to School Day for the kickoff. Many
kids and parents walked or rode bikes to
school. There have never been so many
bikes in the bike rack!
Fuel Up to Play 60 is a program founded
by the National Dairy Council and the
NFL, in collaboration with USDA, that
empowers students to take charge in
making small, everyday changes at
school. Students can win cool prizes, like
an NFL player visit or Super Bowl tickets,
for choosing good-for-you foods and
getting active for at least 60 minutes
every day.
Rakal Kizy at just one of the overpacked bike racks.
In the spring of 2013, Oakland
Early College student Toiana Boyce
proposed a “Pay-it-Forward” project
idea in her Focus class. This idea was
to provide Teddy bears to children in
foster care because her Teddy bear
had been such a comfort to her when
she was in the foster system.
Tragically, Toiana’s life was cut short
on August 17th, 2014. In Toiana’s
memory, OEC joined forces with
the Chelsea Teddy Bear Company
and carried out Toi’s idea by hosting
the TOI TEDDY Project, which ran
from September 9th (National
Teddy Bear Day) through September
19th, 2014. School and community
members across and around the West
Bloomfield District helped support
this project, and we are proud to
report that over $2300 were collected,
and over 400 bears were donated to
Community Social Services of Wayne
County, Toiana’s foster program
location. The bears were officially
presented to the organization at OEC’s
Town Hall on October 24th.
Our deepest condolences to Toi’s
family and her many friends at
Oakland Early College.
November 2014
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11
The West Bloomfield
Educational Foundation
presents
The West Bloomfield Board of
Education has appointed two new
members to the West Bloomfield
Educational Foundation Board of
Directors. Cristina Elsen and Robert
Shady will each serve three year terms
commencing October, 2014.
In addition to these appointments,
Sara Ward and Joey Spano have been
re-appointed for three year terms.
Congratulations and sincere thanks to
these fine individuals who volunteer
many hours to the betterment of our
students and our school district.
The majority of grant funds will be used to support Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiatives
at the elementary and middle school levels. Grant funds also are
being awarded for the purchase of books and several on-line reading
programs at the elementary level.
For 11 years, WBEF Educator Grants Program has provided grants
to building level educators, offering a funding source for planning,
developing and implementing innovative tools, projects and programs
for classrooms. Over $178,000 has been awarded to date.
8399 Commerce Road
Commerce Township, MI 48382
BLACKJACK
CRAPS
BIG COLOR WHEEL
ROULETTE
SILENT AUCTION
BINGO
RAFFLES
LET IT RIDE
$10,000 Golf Putting
Challenge!
Suppo
our ch rting
ild
educa ren’s
t
the BI ion is
GGES
T
JACKP
OT!
Strolling Appetizers
Live Entertainment by the
bugs Beddow Band
Adults only please - 21 & older
12
W B
 
Friday
February 13, 2015
7:00-11:00 P.M.
Edgewood Country Club
The WBEF is a volunteer board whose purpose is to raise funds to
support academic success in our schools. Several annual events are
held to not only raise dollars to support forward thinking programs,
but also build WBEF awareness throughout the community. Generous
donations from families, businesses and individuals in our community
make the grant program and other educational initiatives possible.
Fundraising is currentlyunderway. DTax Deductible donations can be
made by calling 248-865-6463, at WBEF.org or by sending checks
payable to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation, 5810
Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324. The foundation also has a
credit card provision.
PROJECT TITLE
APPLICANT(S)
SCHOOL
Read & Succeed with Trueflix Carrie Bulbuk Sheiko
Carrie Betts
Scotch
Julie Abeska Roosevelt/
Doherty
Mike Atkinson
Gretchko
Studio Lighting for Live Model Margaret Squires Abbott
Abbott MS Science Fair
Mark Rebtoy
Lindsay Belli
Joe Chagnon
Shawn Brown
Robin Loudermilk
Eric Shiemke
Abbott
STEAM Initiative
Kimberly Daniels Gretchko
Lego Engineers - Bringing STEAM Education into the Classroom
Tricia Bairski
Gretchko
STEAM Initiative
Katie Hill
Gretchko &
Roosevelt
Culture and Community Building at Oakland Early College
Jill Rosenthal-Vinter OEC
Viking Science Supplies
Rebecca Heitsch
OLMS
Reading A-Z Raz - Kids Online Reading Program
Ann Schumacher Roosevelt
Moby Max for Learning
Kristi Law
Roosevelt
Instruction into STEM: Lego Simple and Motorized Mechanisms
Classroom Packs
Kathryn Knighton
Jeannette Cuda
Roosevelt
Raz-Kids Reading
Mary Beth Duwe
Elise Arnoldi
Roosevelt
STEAM Initiative
Sharilyn Smith
Roosevelt
Real topics Exciting and Appealing Discoveries in Books
Cathy Mintz
Scotch
Raz Kids Reading Program
Patricia Closser
Scotch
Fitness and Nutrition Healthy Body and Mind
James Scrivo
Scotch
Reaching At Risk Readers
Erin Pawlaczyk
Scotch
Enrich, Extend & Empower Using Moby Max.com
Michelle Berman Scotch
3D Printer
David Weeks
WBHS
Walden at WBHS Jennifer McQuillan WBHS
Web-based Employment Curriculum
Susan Bowes
WBHS & WB
Transition Ctr.
Adults Play Kids Win!
THE LAKER By Joey Spano
The West Bloomfield Educational Foundation (WBEF) Board of
Directors recently announced awards in the 2014-15 Educators Grant
Program. Twenty-six grants, totaling $13,134 will fund a variety of
innovative projects and initiatives designed to directly impact student
achievement at all grade levels this year. All ten schools including
Oakland Early College and the West Bloomfield Transition Center are
represented in this year’s grant program.
Cristina Elsen
is an Office
Manager,
Medical Biller
and active
community
volunteer. She
has been a
PTO president,
a co-chair for
the Keego
Harbor Easter
Egg Hunt and
the Roosevelt
Cristina Elsen, WBEF
Elementary Ski/
Board Club. She also volunteers her
time with Blessings in a Backpack
and the Keego Harbor Optimist
Club. Last year, she served as a nonvoting member on the WBEF Board
of Directors and was instrumental in
starting the West Bloomfield High
School Alumni Facebook page.
Cristina, and husband Adam have four
children in the West
Bloomfield School District and reside
in Keego Harbor.
Robert Shady is currently President
and CEO of several Internet
technology companies which he
founded. He has spent his life in the
computer business being one of the
first successful
Internet Service
Providers in
Michigan. He
is an active
community
member. As a
parent volunteer,
he started the
FIRST LEGO
Robert Shady, WBEF
League (FLL)
Robotics program
at Orchard Lake Middle School and
currently is the lead instructor for the
district’s elementary/middle school
robotics program run through
the community education
department.
In addition, he serves on the
Sheiko Elementary School PTO and
volunteers many hours during the
school year helping out with school
activities. Rob, and wife Christine,
have a son at OLMS and a daughter at
Sheiko Elementary.
WBEF Donates over $13,000 in Grants West Bloomfield
Educational
Foundation
Appointments
November 2014
Community Education ‘Tween You and Me…
By Deborah Kshiminskiy
Early Childhood and School-Age Childcare Supervisor
What does your middle school child do after-school? Do middle
school students still need adult supervision? These are questions
parents or guardians of young adolescents often ask themselves
when their child begins middle school. Let’s think back to OUR our
younger days when we were ten, eleven or even twelve. (FREEDOM
pops into my head!)
Thirty years ago, middle school students went home to a house
with no adults. This was a time, when both parents had joined the
workforce, creating the first generation of latchkey children. As an
unsupervised latchkey child, I was given a list of rules: make sure
you do your homework, no friends in the house until I get home, do
your chores, no junk food and no television. (YEAH, RIGHT pops into
my head!)
Today, parents of middle school students have a safe choice.
Orchard Lake Middle School and Abbott Middle School both
offer an after-school program called “Tween Time”, an afterschool program.. The West Bloomfield Community Education
Department designed this program specifically for middle school
students in 2010. “Tween Time” provides students with a variety of
opportunities to develop friendships and work collaboratively with
peers in an adult-supervised environment. “Tween Time’s” routine
consists of a snack, homework, socializing, small group games,
computers and opportunities to attend school sporting events. The
West Bloomfield Public Library visits “Tween Time” weekly to assist
students with homework, conduct large-group games, and involve
students in book talks. (As a parent, SAFETY and SECURITY pops
into my head!)
Our
Last week, I had the chance to play an ACTUAL actual board game
with students during “Tween Time”. With no Chromebooks in sight, I
showed two eleven year old boys how to play Scattergories. Within
seven minutes, the players grew to five boys with one goal in mind,
“BEAT THE SUPERVISOR!” It was a healthy competition of the young
versues the old. (BRING IT, pops into my head!)??
As a parent of a future middle school student, I am delighted that
my child will have the opportunity to create new friendships,
develop and build social skills, and engage in healthy competitions
with peers and adults all while being monitored in a safe
environment. (RELIEF pops into my head!)
Make “Tween Time” pop into your head!
For more informationLearn about the “Tween Time” program please
visit the West Bloomfield School District website at www.wbsd.org
or contact Esther Davison at in the Community Education Office,
248-865-6468.
Students make friends
and have fun during after
school Tween Time.
(below left)
Homework and study are
part of the Tween Time
routine.
(right)
Problems are discussed
and resolved at
Tween Time
(below right)
Children's
Fund
Snowman Pins Return
Our Children’s Fund (OCF) is gearing
up for its 24th annual Holiday Help
fundraising drive. Back by popular
demand, OCF Snowman Pins will be
part of our efforts. The 2014 Snowman
pin design, selected from WBSD student
entries, will be announced at the
November 24 School Board meeting.
Snowman pins will be available for
sale in all school offices and the ACS
building from November 24 through
January 2015 at a cost of $10 per pin.
OCF relies on the sale of Snowman
Pins, Tribute Card contributions and
the fundraising efforts of our schools,
community organizations and local
businesses to help meet students’ needs
all year long. If you or your company
wants to help by selling Snowman Pins,
contact us at randisb@yahoo.com. We
also accept monetary contributions and
store gift cards in any amount. These
can be dropped off at any school office.
Our Children’s Fund meets emergency
needs and provides resources helping
to ensure that every student in WBSD
is able to participate in academic
and enrichment activities. Families
seekingconfidential assistance should
first talk with a teacher, school social
worker or building principal.
Mail your tax-deductible donation to:
Our Children’s Fund, c/o WBSD Special
Services
5810 Commerce Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48324
Jade Fantich Creates
OCF Bag Design
Last spring OCF Steering Committee
member, Debbie Singer, asked middle
school art teachers to incorporate a
lesson on community with the goal
of increasing awareness about Our
Children’s Fund. Art students were
challenged to create a 2-color design
utilizing only the words, Our Children’s
Adult Education English as A Second Language
248-539-2390
West Bloomfield Adult
English as a Second Language Program
offers English language instruction for all levels!
Classes available Monday through Thursday from
9:30 am - 12:00 and from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm.
Left to right: ESL students Sanooja Visawanathan from India, Kazuaki Oshima
from Japan, and Raisa Churina Ukraine.
Ask us about our Roosevelt ESL program for parents with
children in the West Bloomfield School District starting in
January, 2015.
Call (248)539-2390 for more information or visit us at
7071 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 100, West Bloomfield 48323
Debbie Singer (OCF), teacher Margaret Squires
and Jade Fantich with her winning design.
Fund. They also were required to
submit a short essay explaining their
design and how it relates to OCF.
Jade Fantich’s work was selected as best
representing the goals of the project.
Jade’s design was imprinted on the OCF
bags distributed at Family Fun Night.
Her original artwork and essay have
been framed and displayed at ACS.
November 2014
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13
.com
The Local Stew
Students, teachers and schools had
an opportunity to win big during
the inaugural Local Stew Halloween
Contest. Students and staff were
invited to upload pictures
of themselves in costume at
Localstew.com to see who would get
the most “likes.”
Victoria, a student
at Abbott and
WBHS teacher,
Julie, were
the individual
winners. Each
received $100.
There were also
prizes for the
schools that
showed their
Halloween spirit
with the most
uploaded photos.
Roosevelt, Scotch
and Abbott
received cash prizes of $200, $100 and
$50 respectively awarded into their
student activity accounts.
The Local Stew is a website dedicated
to West Bloomfield happenings. It
encompasses daily local news, a
community calendar and special
offers from local businesses. West
Bloomfield School District partners
with the Local Stew to bring
you a comprehensive list of events
and happenings within our schools.
The winners included:
Most overall student votes was
Victoria from Abbott (Gumball
Machine) 120 votes received
$100 cash.
Most overall teacher votes was Julie
from WBHS (Halloween Fun) 117
votes received $100 cash.
Student Winners (gift cards)
Elementary Winners:
Freaky Clown Gavin (Scotch)
Sassy Mummy Jessica (Sheiko)
Evil Minion Enzo (Scotch)
Middle School winners:
Gumball Machine Victoria (Abbott)
MOST VOTES
Sugar Sweet Piñata Delaney (Abbott)
Medusa Parker (OLMS)
High School:
Cat Women Allison (WBHS)
Ninja Turtle Imaan (WBHS)
Zombie Alaina (WBHS)
Teachers/Administrators Winners:
Elementary:
Elvis (Roosevelt)
Olaf Daniel (Roosevelt)
Bewitching (Sheiko)
Middle School:
Word Walls History (OLMS)
High School:
WBHS Halloween Fun Julie (WBHS)
Mermaid Imogen (WBHS)
DECA Students Attend Business
Success Conference
DECA Students attended a business success conference, hosted by
several area Chambers of Commerce. The event was held at Oakland
Schools and was attended by many business owners in the area.
Do you know your community demographics? Is your marketing
targeting the "right" demographics? Do you market with a focus on
generational differences? DECA students learned from the experts!
The Auburn Hills, Clarkson Area, Orion Area, Pontiac Regional and
Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Business
Success Conference at Oakland Schools ISD in Waterford.
This conference draws on the strength of five communities as area
business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs gather to learn
and gain insight in the areas of marketing, development and
social media.
Speakers included:
• Oakland County Economic Development team, outlining the
unique marketing opportunities found throughout each of the
communities represented.
• Rob Stec of Stecdesign LLC, addressing how to target
Millennials and Baby Boomers, while exploring the use of print
ads, radio, direct mail, TV, social media and mobile advertising to
maximize marketing strategies.
DECA students from left to right: Spencer Little, Jonathan Georges, Kenny Tobin,
Preston Gee, Jack Rudin, Jacob Rashty, Rupin Balabhadra, and Mr. Joel Hunt,
Marketing Teacher and DECA Advisor.
• Marc de Schweint of Google, discussing how social media can
help businesses connect with opinions and insights that matter
to their brand.
• Kelley LaFontaine of LaFontaine Automotive Group, Kevin
Tompkins of McLaren Oakland and Johnna Stuck of Changing
Places Moving will take a look at what cause-related marketing
is and how to establish successful marketing strategies.
Scotch Team and Boat Drivers
Commended for Quick Actions
Teacher, Kristin Carr, along with parent chaperones and two bus/
boat drivers Trish Shade and Sheryl Walaszek, recently received
WBSD Star Awards for their professional behavior and calm
responsiveness during a Scotch 2nd grade field trip to Apple Island.
The students had just arrived at the island when they were attacked
by a swarm of wasps. Several students were stung and all were
frightened. The team acted quickly and efficiently to get the
children back to the mainland, seek medical assistance and provide
comfort for their young passengers. All boat drivers have received
emergency procedures training from the West Bloomfield Fire
Department including First Aid and CPR. They are equipped with
two-way radios and an emergency kit. Second grade student, Jordan
Bush, offered comfort and encouragement to his fellow classmates
and received a Star Award for his kindness and compassion.
Apple Island Rescue - Sheryl Walaszek ,Trish Shade, Hank Loos, Lewis Lanway,
Kristin Carr, Dawn Scrivo, (front row) Jordan Bush.
(not pictured) Madhavi Reddy, Mike Horn.
Get your Cold Weather Gear
NOW!
Weekdays 7AM-2PM
West Bloomfield High School
4925 Orchard Lake Rd.
West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323
Weekdays 7AM-2PM
(248) 865-6730
Coming soon - new website - shop online!
THE LAKER 14
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November 2014
ENTERING
KINDERGARTEN
West Bloomfield
Preschool Academy
Preschool Registration Fee
In-District $60
Out of District $110
Open to
all
4 year o 3 and
lds
yrs old
st be 3
u
m
n
Childre
by
See a
clas
, 2014
Nov. 1
Call TO sroom in ac
tion!
DAY to
regist
Find us under
sched
e
r or
“Schools” at
ule a t
our
(248)
www.wbsd.org
865-6
466
Click on
West Bloomfield Preschool Academy
PAID
Michigan Law
(Public Health Code, Act 368, and
Michigan School Code, Act 291)
requires a vision screening for
Kindergarten entrance.
Vision screening done by a
health department technician,
a physician or an eye doctor
fulfills this requirement.
Oakland County Health Division
offers free vision screening for
County residents.
Call (248) 424-7070
for an appointment.
Look for the
Community
Education
Winter Catalog
in your
December 10th
Beacon.
It's filled with Winter
Wonders for all
ages!
For a complete list
of classes, programs
and registration
information, visit
www.wbcommed.org
or call
248-865-6462
for details.
ADVERTISE IN THE LAKER!
Call 248.865.6454
THE LAKER West Bloomfield School District
November 2014
W B
 
15
Western Oakland County
Mentoring for
Social Justice & Peace
UNITED WE WALK
Parenting
Education
Fair
Join us
Saturday
Nov. 22, 2014
Walled Lake
Northern
High School
Sunday
January 18, 2015
West Bloomfield
High School
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Walled Lake Northern High School
2015 UWW Keynote Speaker
Jay Marks, Ph.D.
School QualityConsultant,
Oakland Schools
3:00 p.m. Walk
3:30 p.m. Refreshments
4:15 p.m. Program
5:15 p.m. Candlelight Vigil
West Bloomfield School District Social Justice Mission Statement:
Sponsors:West
Farmington
PublicSchool
Schools,District,
Huron Valley
Schools,Public
Oakland
CountyHuron
Youth Assistance,
Sponsors:
Bloomfield
Farmington
Schools,
Valley Schools, Oakland
Oakland Schools,
Walled
Lake Consolidated
Schools
and West
Bloomfield
School
DistrictLake Schools
Community
College,
Oakland
County Youth
Assistance,
Oakland
Schools,
Walled
WBTV Season 2 -
“A Closer Look”
A Closer Look, WBSD’s Award Winning monthly feature
on WBTV, Channel 19. Hosted by Superintendent,
Dr. Gerald Hill and featuring guest specialists each
month, A Closer Look seeks to inform viewers on
pertinent areas and programs within the schools and
the school district.
Our mission is to intentionally cultivate relationships through an environment of social
integrity that moves us from judgment to compassion through the education and
nurturing of our students, staff, and community to ensure that the uniqueness of each
individual is embraced while commonalities are celebrated.
www.unitedwewalk.org
Blo
omf
vi
si
st
We
The Board of Education meets at 7:00 p.m. on
the fourth working Monday of each month
unless otherwise posted. The meetings are
held in the Media Center of West Bloomfield
High School, located at 4925 Orchard Lake
Road (unless otherwise posted). All regular
meetings are open to the public.
on
BOARD OF EDUCATION 2014
President........................Randi Sakwa
Vice President................. Matt Chase
Secretary. ..................... Raman Singh
Treasurer........................ Nick Hersh
Trustee............................ Julie Beaty
Trustee................... David Einstandig
Trustee..................Carol Finkelstein
www.wlcsd.org
Featuring Jim Fay, author of “Parenting with Love and Logic”
2015 Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Jay Marks
8:00 am - 2:30 pm
ele
ield S c hool Distri ct T
Stay informed
by watching Channel 19 WBTV,
West Bloomfield School District’s
Media Connection.
22-time Telly Award winning
Cable Station
THE LAKER 16
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 
November 2014

Here - West Bloomfield School District

Transcription

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