It certainly feels like spring! With the warm temperatures and spring sports now in full swing, I'm excited for what the final quarter of school holds for our students. Thank you to our eighth-grade families for supporting their students this past Wednesday as they completed the PSAT for the first time. I was proud of the focus and energy our students brought to the day.
Now that the PSAT is complete, M-STEP testing for all grades will begin this upcoming week. It is extremely helpful if every student brings their own set of headphones, charged chromebook, and are in attendance the day of testing. Please take a moment this weekend to remind your child to put headphones in their backpack. Our 4th-7th grade students will be taking the ELA M-STEP on Tuesday or Wednesday morning this week and the Math M-STEP on April 27. Our 8th grade students will be taking the Science M-STEP on Thursday morning. Please see the article below for more information regarding the M-STEP.
On Monday, April 24, we will be hosting our 4th-Grade Disability Awareness Day. Please see the article below. We are looking for volunteers to help make this event as meaningful as possible for our fourth graders.
Reminder: Friday, April 21 is now a NO SCHOOL Day. We will NOT be changing the A/B calendar so we will have two B days in a row (Thursday, 4/20, and Monday, 4/24). With this change, Tuesady, May 9 is now a full day of school.
“We are stronger when we listen and smarter when we share.” – Queen Rania Al Abdullah
Andy Gignac
Principal
West Hills Middle School
Bloomfield Hills Schools
Twitter: @AndyGignac
A/B Schedule: Click HERE for the A/B Calendar from Feb.-June!
Mon., Apr. 17 - A Day
Tues., Apr. 18 - B Day
Wed., Apr. 19 - A Day
Thurs., Apr. 20 - B Day
Fri., Apr. 21 - No School (previously a half day)
KEY DATES Tuesday, April 18 M-STEP ELA (Bialk, Mize, 6th, and 7th) Wednesday, April 19 M-STEP ELA (Castellani, Gordon, 5th) Thursday, April 20 PTO Meeting 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 20 M-STEP Science (8th) Friday, April 21 No School (Full Day of PD for Teachers) Tuesday, April 25 6th-Grade Choir Concert 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 27 M-STEP Math (Grades 4-7) Wednesday, May 3 5th-Grade Exhibition 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 4th Grade Instrument Selection @BHHS 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
M-Step testing begins in April. Please take note of the testing windows for your child below. Block teachers will post their specific testing times on their Google Classroom pages as soon as they are available. Teachers have access to practice sessions provided by the state, and have been encouraged to allow students to explore these assessment samples.
Thank you in advance for all your efforts to make M-Step testing a positive experience. Best practice informs us that several factors influence test outcomes:
Arriving at school well rested and after having a healthy breakfast.
Approaching the test with a positive attitude.
Taking your time, doing your best, and asking for clarification, when needed.
Updated M-Step Testing Window Dates
April 10 – May 19 (for all grade levels)
April 18 - ELA: Bialk, Mize, 6th, 7th
April 19 - ELA: Castellani, Gordon, 5th
April 20 - Science: 8th Grade
April 27 - Math: 4th-7th
Remaining Dates TBD: 5th Science and Social Studies and 8th Social Studies
This year the first day of Eid will fall on April 21, 2023. When originally predicted, it was scheduled for Saturday, April 22 and April 21 was scheduled as a half day.
When BHS recently learned that Eid would fall on April 21 (not April 22), the district looked into the state counting requirements for hours and days in school, which suggested we would not be able to switch the half day to a no school day. However, after performing an independent audit and revisiting the calendar, the district has been able to confirm that we can offer April 21 as a no school day and May 9 will become a full day.
We understand that changing the calendar is challenging for some of our families. With Eid following the lunar calendar, this is something that may occur from time-to-time in order to ensure Eid is a no school day.
It is important to note that because Ramadan is observed based on the lunar calendar, the first day of the month may vary from sect to sect, mosque to mosque, and some families may have observances that differ by a day or two. It should be noted that the majority of Muslims in North America however have recently been following the astronomical calculations in their observance.
Disability Awareness Workshop is coming back to Bloomfield Hills Schools! West Hills 4th grade students will engage in this opportunity on Monday, April 24 in the morning right here at West Hills Middle School.
With so many different abilities in this world, it can be difficult to understand and support people we know who deal with challenges each day whether they be physical, sensory, or intellectual. So each year, our 4th graders spend a specific day focusing on learning about different kinds of abilities and how to interact with individuals who may encompass them.
The Disability Awareness Workshop is a hands-on, activity-based workshop that travels across Oakland County. The workshop's main emphasis is to help children become more aware of and empathetic to the needs of people with varying abilities. The workshop's stations are designed to give the students brief, tangible experiences such as what it's like to live and adapt using a wheelchair, navigating with vision impairments, living with reading disabilities, and more.
The program depends on parent volunteers to actively guide students through each station. Volunteers are needed for this meaningful program during the event on Monday, April 24 from 8:45 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Please sign up using this link. Questions can be directed to Leslie Wroblewski, Special Education Instructional Coach, or Andy Gignac. We hope you consider joining in on this truly remarkable event to make it as meaningful as possible for our fourth-grade students.
If you do decide to volunteer, please follow these instructions if you have not already completed a district volunteer background check during the 2022-23 school year. Click HERE for the Bloomfield Hills Schools Volunteer Background Check form. Forms need to be completed and submitted at least one week prior to volunteering. Please email completed forms to our Human Resources department, attn. Debbie Steaban at dste...@bloomfield.org.
In the fall, our current 4th grade students will become 5th graders at Lone Pine Elementary (at the current WHMS building). Dr. Hillberry has provided information about class placement practices.
The Bloomfield Hills elementary staff is in the process of making plans for the upcoming school year. Over the next several weeks, staff will gather information regarding instructional needs as they relate to the growth and development of our students. This information will help to inform K-5th class placements for the next school year.
What is the timeline of the student placement process?
May: Families may opt to provide input to Dr. Hillberry no later than Friday, May 12th. INPUT RECEIVED AFTER May 12TH WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED. REQUESTS FOR PLACEMENT IN A PARTICULAR TEACHER’S CLASS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED.
Mid May - June: Building teams will meet with building administrators, specialists, and support staff to create class lists. Classroom placements will be finalized the week before school starts. Final placements will be posted on ParentConnect/MyBloomfield.
How are students placed in classes?
Students are placed in classes to achieve as much balance as possible. Consideration is given to academic ability, social growth and development, individual needs, and gender. Using this along with any family input and other criteria, all attempts are made to balance classes. Classroom teachers work in collaboration with the specialists, the building principal, and relevant support staff to make placements.
How can families provide input into the placement process?
Families who have special considerations that warrant review by the placement team may put it in writing to Dr. Hillberry no later than May 12TH. REQUESTS FOR PLACEMENT IN A PARTICULAR TEACHER’S CLASS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED. There are no guarantees regarding class placement.
Why are placements finalized in late summer?
Events that take place over the summer may make it necessary to add a classroom, change teaching personnel, or revise the makeup of a particular class.
Please remember that while you may continue to discuss your child’s progress with his/her teacher through the end of the year, we ask that you please refrain from questioning our staff regarding your child’s placement for next year.
Our WHMS Dress Code was adjusted to its current form several years ago by a committee of teachers, administrators, and parents. The intent of the dress code is to provide much room for individuality, personal expression, and promotion of an inclusive environment while maintaining a standard for students' "place of business." We acknowledge that shorts may not meet the fingertip standard found in the dress code. The expectation is that shorts should be long enough to continuously cover the bottom when reaching down to pick something up. All undergarments should not be visible at any time.
All report cards for middle school students will be shared with families electronically. When processing is complete, families will be able to view their child's report card in the middle portion of this coming week, typically on Wednesday. To access, your child's report card, select the parent portal at https://webconnect.bloomfield.org/Zangle/ParentPortal/ and click on the Marks tab.
If you don't remember your login information, use the "forgot username and password" link, enter your email address on file, and the system will email it to you. If the email is incorrect or you are still unable to access the portal, please email communications@bloomfield.org for assistance. Instructions for how to view and/or print your student's report card after you have logged in to your Parent Portal are available HERE.
Note: Specific to behavior and effort feedback, please click on the following link for details on West Hills Behavior and Effort Grades for all students in grades 6 - 8.
"Balance is the key to everything. What we do, think, say, eat, feel, they all require awareness, and through awareness we can grow." – Koi Fresco
As an IB Learner, I am Balanced. I work to stay organized, use my time wisely, and be healthy. With this learner profile attribute, I show commitment towards my learning and show self-discipline and responsibility.
I understand the importance of balancing different aspects of my life-intellectual, physical, and emotional to achieve well-being for myself and others. I recognize my interdependence with other people and with the world in which I live.
Please click HERE for the latest information about West Hills spring sports for students in grades 6, 7 & 8. This season includes Girls Soccer, Girls Lacrosse, 7/8 Baseball, Softball, Boys Tennis, and Track & Field. Please refer questions directly to the respective team coach. Work continued this past week to secure a tennis coach and we hope to have more communication regarding the tennis season early this coming week.
You can find the schedule for games and meets HERE. You can even sign up to receive a reminder about your student's sports competition.
Please watch for additional information from the District with updates about middle school spring sports, provided by Athletic Director Avis Najor (avn...@bloomfield.org)
Please make sure to read the District News below for any BH High School related items that may affect your current 8th grader. You can also update your weekly newsletter subscriptions in your Parent Portal to include the BH High School weekly update, so you don't miss out on information for incoming 9th grade families such as orientation, fine arts night, sports try-outs, club information and much more.
If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, your pay to participate fee may be waived. We do not want any student to miss the opportunity to participate in athletics or clubs due to financial hardship. Please contact Mr. Gignac, West Hills Principal, at agig...@bloomfield.org
This is a reminder for students who plan to attend home athletic games and other school events after school must go home and come back to school for the event. This message excludes students participating in the actual game or event who are under the supervision of their coach or other adults associated with the event.
As we head into the Spring sports season, we ask that students attending home athletic events first go home before returning to school.
Additionally, if your child participates in a club or sport, students must be picked up immediately after the meeting or practice has ended. Students will not be allowed to wait at the front/back of the school, to go down to the gym to wait for a sibling, or to watch a sporting event without supervision. For their own safety and your peace of mind, we want our students to be under supervision at all times.
Please be advised that effective immediately, ALL volunteers, including parents assisting with events and/or attending field trips, need to have a background check completed prior to volunteering. Click HERE for the Bloomfield Hills Schools Volunteer Background Check form. Forms need to be completed and submitted at least one week prior to volunteering. Please email completed forms to our Human Resources department, attn. Debbie Steaban at dste...@bloomfield.org.
West Hills Middle School continues to be a nut-restricted school. As a reminder, this also includes all field trips, sporting events, and all other before and after school events. 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.
Is your child interested in building LEGO robots? Or loves taking things apart to see how they work? Are they curious about programming? Do you want to be part of an exciting program that brings people together and helps build STEM communities?
Join Bloomfield FIRST Robotics!
FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 7-14 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together.
Do you want more information about the program? Sign up to receive the latest updates, including registration information. Join the Bloomfield Robotics Email List
Calling all softball and baseball players in the community! Save the date, April 28, for the BHHS baseball and softball youth clinic and home run derby!
Youth can participate in the clinic at 4:30 and stay to watch the high school softball and baseball teams crush balls in the derby.
Free admissions and concessions, prizes, plus spirit wear to purchase.
