WHMS Weekly Update - 2/2/18
West Hills Middle School
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SCHOOL NEWS
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Dear West Hills Families,
This week at West Hills marked the start of our second semester, and we had several happenings of note. In particular, our fifth grade had a big week. Connected to our fifth grade science units and our exhibition focus this year, we had the good fortune to have Dr. Hanna-Attisha in to speak to our students about the Flint Water Crisis. She had an incredible impact on our students and staff. To learn more, check out our Spotlight on the IB in this week's broadcast. In addition, our fifth grade students had "informances" in band and orchestra. They are progressing nicely and special thanks goes out to Mrs. Lucas and Mr. Erde!
As we head into the weekend, I would like to remind everyone that Monday is a half day for students. Our teachers will be participating in a variety of professional learning opportunities in the afternoon to support their practice. We appreciate your flexibility. Please take a moment to review our broadcast, and if you are a football fan, I hope "your" team wins.
"Your TALENT determines what you can do. Your MOTIVATION determines how much you are willing to do. Your ATTITUDE determines how well you do it." - Lou Holtz
It's Great to be a West Hills Warrior!
Rob
Rob Durecka
Principal
West Hills Middle School
2601 Lone Pine Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48323
http://www.bloomfield.org/west-hills/index.aspx
"Enabling learners to become architects of their futures . . ."
02/05 - A Day - 1/2 Day of School - Students released at 11:35 (P.M. Schedule - Hours 5 - 8)
02/06 - B Day
02/07 - A Day
02/08 - B Day
02/09 - A Day
Upcoming Events
2/5 - Half Day - Students Released at 11:35 a.m.
2/6 - 4 - 8 Coffee with the Counselors - 10:00 a.m.
2/14 - PTO Meeting - 10:00 a.m.
2/14 - 4/5 Valentine's Class Parties - 12:45 - 2:45 p.m.
2/14 - School Store - All Lunches
2/14 - Bake Sale - 3:00 p.m.
2/19 & 2/20 - No School Mid Winter Break
2/27 - 8th Grade Choir and BHHS Concert Choir Performance - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at BHHS
2/28 - 7/8 Grade Band and Orchestra Concert and Clinic - 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
“Integrity is how you act when no one is watching, when no one knows what you're doing. It's always telling the truth, clearing up misconceptions or partial truths. It's never knowingly hurting anybody or anything.” ~Steven Vannoy
This week, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha visited West Hills 5th graders to talk about her work as the Flint pediatrician whose research and brave initiative exposed the Flint Water Crisis in September of 2015. As the Director of the Pediatric Residency Program at Hurley Medical Center and Director of the Pediatric Public Health Initiative and Associate Professor within Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Dr. Hanna-Attisha spends a great deal of time speaking to people of all ages about the importance of science, environmental justice, and advocacy. When thanked for visiting West Hills, she responded, “Absolutely. This is my most important work.” Given that she is recognized across the country for her research, has been published in The New York Times, and has testified before Congress, it means a great deal that she sees the future in students’ hands and is willing to share her story with them.
After helping the students to understand some of Flint’s history, Dr. Mona talked about the brave men and women in Flint who knew something was wrong but who were silenced. She explained that after she conducted her research, which showed that the children in Flint were being poisoned by their water, she knew she had to act.
“So I did something kind of scary. I had a press conference. I stood up at this press conference, which is not something doctors usually do, but I had to share my research. My heart rate was up and I couldn’t eat, and I was scared. But I stood up and I said, ‘This science is saying that our kids are being poisoned by the water, and we need to do something about it. We need to declare an emergency and we need to switch our water.’ Sometimes it’s hard to step out of your box because it’s so easy to do what we’re usually doing. But I want all of you to make sure that when you see something wrong, you use your voice, because sometimes people need your voice so they can be heard.”
The 5th grades definitely heard what Dr. Mona had to say! Keira Thav was impressed that “She didn’t even live in Flint but she still wanted to help the people there.” Many students noticed that Dr. Mona always referred to her patients as “my kids.” Carly Orman commented that Dr. Mona “woke us up!” and Zaid Qasim admired that she didn’t give up her fight. Finn Connely added that he “liked how she even told us that they turned her down more than once and she just had to keep saying ‘No, this is wrong.’” The 5th graders commented on how humble Dr. Mona was, always talking about the brave moms and dads in Flint who tried to make a change. Annalise Margolas summed up what all the students’ comments reflected: “She’s a role model. She showed us that you have to have tenacity to get your voice heard.”
Throughout the month of February, we encourage you to help your student(s) consider how we can all demonstrate being principled. IB students take action to make positive change in our community and world. Principled IB students act with integrity, honesty, and with a strong sense of fairness. If you’d like to share an example of how your student has been principled, email us at jt...@bloomfield.org; we’d love to hear about it!
Jen Teal
IB Teacher Leader, West Hills Middle School
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All semester one report cards for both elementary and middle school students were shared with families electronically on January 31, 2018. To access your child's report card, select the parent portal at https://webconnect.bloomfield.org/Zangle/ParentPortal/ and click on the Marks tab. For detailed directions, please click here.
Enter your username and password and you will be able to print off a PDF of your child's report card. Please feel free to call our communications department at 248-341-6328 should you need assistance logging in.
Note: Specific to behavior and effort feedback. We handle these differently at the elementary and middle school levels. New this year, our elementary students no longer receive a W, within grade level expectations, or an N, needs more practice, when assessing the Primary Years Programme Learner Profile Traits or for their Responsible Citizenship feedback. The W and N are reserved for academic feedback only, and for the learner profile and citizenship feedback, we are now using and I or an S. The "I " indicates students are able to independently demonstrate the trait while the "S" indicates that students need additional support.
Our reporting for middle school students specific to behavior and effort has not changed. Please click on the following link for details on West Hills Behavior and Effort Grades for all students in grades 6 - 8.
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Attention 8th grade families:
It is time to find that cute baby photo of your student for this year's yearbook. Please submit a photo of your child to be included in this year's yearbook. It can be any photo from birth up to about age 7. It can be a Halloween photo, a photo from school, or one from a birthday party with cake on their face or almost anything that highlights your child from days gone by. Photos can be submitted in a couple of ways. You can scan the photo and send it as an attachment to Mrs.Seaton at jse...@bloomfield.org. Please scan it in the highest resolution you can. You can also send a photo to school with your child. Please put it in an envelope with their name on it so we can scan it and return it to them. Turn in photos to Mrs. Seaton in the Media Center
All photos should be submitted to Mrs. Seaton by mid February.
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Order your yearbook now for $40. A list of students who have ordered a yearbook is posted on the Media Center front window. If you get a postcard reminder from Jostens, you have not ordered yours. You may order online at jostensyearbooks.com, or send a completed order form with payment to school. All orders must be placed by February 2018. If you have any questions, email Mrs. Seaton at jse...@bloomfield.org, or call 248-341-6124.
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Will you be a WHMS Valentine? Show your love for West Hills by sending in Box Tops! Do you have Box Tops just waiting to turn in?
We are asking that you collect and send in your Box Tops to help support our school activities. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents and we appreciate every single one.
You can send them - 1. Attached to the Box Top collection sheets available at the school office, 2. Print out the sheet attached to this message, click here, and attach them, or 3. You can also just put them in a zip-close plastic baggie.
***Always include student name, grade and first hour teacher on the collection sheet or inside the baggie.
The collection sheets and collection container for Box Tops is located in the West Hills Office at the desk by the door. Box Tops can be submitted any time this month until Friday, 2/23. However...
The student who sends in the most Box Tops by Monday, February 12th will win a Valentine prize!!
Thank you for your help! Susie Fenster
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Mrs. Castellani will sponsor a new 3D Puzzle club geared for students in grades four and five. Students can bring their own puzzles or join a friend on puzzles that will be available. This club will meet in room 134 from 7:35-8:05 on the following dates:
February 13th and 27th
March 13th
April 10th and 24th
May 8th
Hope to see you there!
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Join Bloomfield Hills High School for the Class of 2022 Family Orientation Night on Tuesday, February 13, at 7 p.m. at BHHS (4200 Andover Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302). You are invited to explore all that BHHS has to offer!
Orientation Schedule Flyer
Parking Map (entrances off of Long Lake or Andover Roads)
SCHEDULE:
- 6:00 - 7:00 PM Check-in and optional tours
- 6:00 - 7:00 PM IB Diploma Programme Presentation (optional)
- 7:00 - 7:20 PM Welcome and Overview
- 7:30 - 8:15 PM Orientation with Counselors
*Student orientation will be held on Friday, May 25, 2018.
Diploma Programme Information Night:
Are you wondering whether your student should consider pursuing the IB Diploma in addition to earning their high school diploma? Have you heard friends talk about the DP classes and you think they sound like something your student might like? Are you hearing about the DP for the first time and just want to hear what it is? Consider coming to the IB DP Family Information Session for current 8th graders (going into 9th) on Tuesday, February 13th, from 6 - 7 p.m. at BHHS.
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With the start of a new year, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please take a moment to review our traffic map for West Hills. We wish to reemphasize the need to utilize the designated drop off and pick up points. For the safety of all students, drivers please watch your speeds and do not double park, especially near student cross walks. The safety of our students is our highest priority. Thank you for your help! Traffic Map
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Bloomfield Baseball League 2018 spring season registration is open now! Register Now at www.bblmi.org! For nearly 60 years, BBL has offered baseball for Bloomfield area boys and girls in grades K-12. Teams are formed by school and grade and placement on your school’s team is based on registration date, so register early.
Register by 2/28/18 for the following rates:
- PreK/K $125
- 1-8th Grades: $235
All games and practices are held on Bloomfield Hills school fields. We offer recreational baseball with just enough of a competitive spirit to make it fun. The emphasis on all levels is on improving as a player, growing as a teammate and having fun. Register now or get more information on the divisions and the league at www.bblmi.org or contact our league administrator, Lauri Hoffman at bblexe...@gmail.com. Feel free to contact your BBL school rep., James Sheridan at 248-409-8484, orjamesas...@hotmail.com with any questions.
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1. PTO FACEBOOK PAGE
Our West Hills PTO maintains a Facebook Page that is regularly updated with the latest happenings and upcoming events at West Hills. Depending your preference on accessing information, it may wish to join their group! Below is a link to the page.
https://www.facebook.com/West-Hills-PTO-1690035367896632/
2. ONLINE DIRECTORY ACCESS!
Good news! All families who have joined PTO this year will be sent access to the online directory by Monday, October 16th. Please check your spam folder if you haven't received it. You will be given a temporary password that you can change at any time. Members will also be receiving the directory in PDF in the next two weeks! If you haven't joined the WH PTO yet, please fill out the attached PTO membership form and send it in with your PTO dues to the WH Office. http://www.bloomfield.org/uploaded/personal/34705/West_Hills_PTO_2017-18_membership_and_fundraising_letter.pdf
Thanks! If you have any questions or need any help with the school directory, please email: jennif...@idexx.com
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Do you ever wonder what opportunities and pathways are available for students entering high school? Click here to view the High School Opportunities Packet.
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We have a variety of clubs available to our students. Many clubs will be starting this week, and students are encouraged to try out clubs of interest to them. Students can attend a club meeting to see if it is for them before they need to make a commitment to the group. Students just need to show up at the first meeting if they are interested. There have been a few changes to our meeting schedule. For meeting schedules and descriptions of clubs available click here.
Clubs meet typically before school or right after school. If your son or daughter is currently playing a sport and has paid the $150 pay-to-participate fee that fee covers clubs as well. If they have not paid the $150 pay-to-participate fee, or are not playing a sport, the Club ONLY fee for 2017-2018 is $45. All pay-to-participate fees will need to be paid once a student decides the club is for them. Fees are used to cover stipends for sponsors and to offset the materials used for various club activities.
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To ensure a smooth start to the school year, please review the dress code with your child prior to the beginning of the school year. We wish to maintain an educational environment at all times. Thank you, families, in advance, for supporting the dress code and assisting us in achieving an appropriate learning environment for our students.
Of special note for new families to West Hills: The dress code remains in effect for clubs, athletic events, and all other school sponsored events.
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West Hills Middle School remains nut restricted. As a result, please carefully read and review all food packaging prior to sending food items to school. For further information on food allergies, consult www.foodallergy.org We appreciate in advance your full cooperation.
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To further our mission for equity and inclusion, the West Hills Global Education Team (GET) is pleased to announce the continuation of the Warrior Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide access for all students to enjoy school activities (e.g., field trips). As a school community, our desire is for all students to have these learning experiences. Our intention is to provide families with a chance to give funds to assist our students in a direct and meaningful way. Look for upcoming forms regarding field trips, school events, and other specific enrichment activities for opportunities to donate. You may specify how your funds will be directed through future communication (field trip forms and other specific events and opportunities). Over the last two school years, these donations have helped many students to participate in enrichment activities, and we appreciate your continued generosity! Click here for an example of how our field trip permission slips will appear and THANK YOU to our community for your continued generosity!
Bloomfield Hills Schools participates in the National School Lunch Program. Families must apply directly through the Bloomfield Hills Schools Food Services Department for the free and reduced priced meals program. Forms are available online here. Families that were approved last year must fill out a NEW form to continue assistance. All children receiving free or reduced meals are kept confidential.
CALENDAR
DISTRICT NEWS
COMMUNITY NEWS
RECREATION NEWS
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West Hills Middle School • 2601 Lone Pine Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48323
