We had another busy week. Our 8th graders enjoyed a valuable Move-Up Day and attended Bloomfield Hills High School this morning getting a taste of all the incredible opportunities that await them next year as high school students. As we think about next year for our future middle school students, see the article below regarding our upcoming student orientations for South Hills Middle School scheduled for the week of June 5. Go Black Hawks! Addtionally today, Mr. Steve Peck shared a message of caring for one another describing his work and the volunteer opportunities available with the Miracle League. Our 4th and 5th grade students were engaged in the presentation and excited to hear about how children as young as 10 years old volunteer to support others in this wonderful endeavor.
This week began the many end-of-year celebrations with our newest inductees to the WHMS chapter of the National Junior Honor Society on Wednesday evening. We are so proud of the 55 eighth-grade students who achieved this honor. Congratulations!
Looking ahead, Friday, June 2, features two exciting events for our oldest and youngest students. Our 4th graders will report to WHMS and then head over via bus to Cranbrook Science Center where they will spend a day filled with incredible learning opportunities. A reminder that families must make arrangements to pick up their child from Cranbrook. Back at WHMS, the 8th grade will be engaged in Civil War learning with the group, Battery K. This group has worked with our students for years. They lead our students through several demonstrations highlighted by bringing a cannon to the lower front field. Thank you to Mrs. VanGemert for organizing this event!
I also want to wish you a safe and restful Memorial Day Weekend (there is no school - Monday, May 29)! We are in the home stretch of the school year. Please take time this weekend to relax so you are ready for the annual sprint to the finish!
"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"
-Robin Williams
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., May 29 - No School
Tues., May 30 - A Day
Wed., May 31 - B Day
Thurs., June 1 - A Day
Fri., June 2 - B Day
KEY DATES Monday, May 29 No School Friday, June 2 4th-Grade Field Trip to Cranbrook (See info from classroom teacher) Tuesday, June 6 5th-Grade Students "Move-Up" Field Trip to the Farm/BHHS 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 6th-Grade Students "Move-Up" Field Trip to the Farm/BHHS 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 5th-Grade Band/Orchestra Concert 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8 7th-Grade Students "Move-Up" Field Trip to the Farm/BHHS 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 12 4th-8th Grade Chromebook Turn-In Day (Device and Charging Cord) Monday, June 12 6th-8th Grade Choir Concert 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 13 4th and 5th-Grade Students Field Day 12:40 - 2:45 p.m. (See article to volunteer) Tuesday, June 13 8th-Grade Party @ Paradise Park (See article) Wednesday, June 14 8th-Grade Musical Performances 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15 5th-Grade Recognition Ceremony 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Friday, June 16 8th-Grade Recognition Ceremony 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (8th-Grade students dismissed to families at conclusion)
The summer weather is approaching us and the end of the year is just around the corner. There is one event that needs to happen before we can close out the school year…Field Day!!!
Field Day is going to be held on Tuesday June 13th from 12:40 - 2:45. There are a variety of events, and we could use your help. If you are able to volunteer for this fun day,
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me ahead of June 13th at dsch...@bloomfield.org. Volunteers may report to me at behind West Hills after checking in with the office.Students will want to bring their own water bottle to stay hydrated.
Thank you for your support in making the day a fun and memorable experience!
Our media center needs help with taking inventory of all of our educational materials. After we inventory the collection digitally we will be boxing each section. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
ALL volunteers at BHS need to have an annual background check completed prior to volunteering. Forms must be completed and submitted at least one week before volunteering. Please email completed forms to our Human Resources department, attn. Debbie Steaban at dste...@bloomfield.org. A link to the background check form can be found in this broadcast's article.
During the first week full week of June, current 5th/6th/7th-grade students will participate in grade-level orientation days during the school day at BHHS and Bowers School Farm. On their assigned grade level day, district buses will transport students to both locations for activities and lunch. Students will meet their new classmates, experience both BHHS and the farm, and engage in activities that celebrate their new friends and school community. Students will start the day at the normal time (8:25 a.m. at West Hills), then leave around 10:00 a.m. and return to West Hills around 2:00 p.m. after visiting both the high school and district farm. Upon return to West Hills, students will engage in class activities with their current teachers until the end of the typical day (3:20 p.m.)
June 6: Incoming 6th graders (current 5th graders)
June 7: Incoming 7th graders (current 6th graders)
June 8: Incoming 8th graders (current 7th graders)
Media Center Specialist, Laura Amatulli, excitedly announced this year‘s Global Read Aloud book to fourth and fifth grade students at Bloomfield, East, and West Hills Middle Schools. The Global Reads program is meant to make the world feel a little smaller, experience the rest of the universe, and look at connections within the world and beyond. As a previous science teacher and space enthusiast, Amatulli announced the book in a unique way by donning the blue captain’s spacesuit worn at camp to deliver the big news. “Captain” Amatulli focused the presentation on Mars and NASA‘s rover, “Perseverance,” which led up to the big reveal…
A Rover’s Story, by Jasmine Warga, is the fictionalized story of a Mars rover named Resilience. As scientists assemble “Res,” it begins to experience human emotions. The story takes the reader through journeys and challenges that Res experienced on Mars. Themes in A Rover’s Story include friendship, family, resilience, feeling worthy, exploration, science, discovery, problem-solving, overcoming obstacles, determination, courage, hope, feelings vs. logic, grit, STEM, and home. Amutulli discovered this book upon its release and loved the story so much, the book was already on order prior to it being selected as the read aloud book this year.
Teachers across the district recorded themselves reading chapters of the book for students to follow along and the author even read the first chapter for students to enjoy. Each chapter has also been interpreted by ASL interpreter, Erin Seipke-Brown. A Rover’s Story is available for students to check out from their media centers or local libraries; recordings are available online. A Rover’s Story is not just for students in fourth and fifth grade, this book will be widely loved by kids, adults, and space explorers of all ages!
8th Grade Party: It's Time to Celebrate the End of Middle School!
8th Grade Party: RSVPs Needed!
8th Graders! It's time to celebrate the end of middle school!
When: June 13, 5:30-8:00 pm (rain date is June 15)
Where: Paradise Park in Novi
What: Dinner, go karts, mini golf, trampolines & more!
Cost: $40
RSVP by: May 15 ** Please submit your RSVP by Monday, May 22!
Send Venmo to @Jaime-Ben with 8th Grade Party noted, or you can send cash in to the office with 8th Grade Party noted and your child's name on the envelope. We welcome any additional monetary donations to help make this party a blast for the kids. Thanks in advance! The goal is for all students to be able to attend. Contact Principal Andy Gignac if school sponsorship is requested. Contact Karen Kaplan with questions regarding the party at karend...@gmail.com.
NJHS Induction Ceremony
May 24 - 6:30 p.m. Ms. Schlenker recently emailed families of students who achieved NJHS status more details.
Move-Up Day for 8th graders at BH High School
May 26, 2023, from 7:55 to 10:30 a.m.
See the article with details including bus routes
6th-8th-Grade Choir Concert
June 12 - 7:30 p.m.
8th-Grade Musical
There are two casts for the musical performances. Please reference Mrs. Pierre's emails with rehearsal and other times.
June 14: In-School Performances at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
June 14: Evening Performances at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
8th-Grade Recognition Ceremony
Save the Date/Time - Friday, June 16 at 9:15 a.m. in the WHMS Cafeteria. This event is approximately an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. 8th-Grade students are dismissed to their families at the conclusion of the event. Students do typically dress up for this event. We have a practice of not pulling younger siblings from class for this event.
BHHS Broadcast Messages and Updates
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.
The Birmingham-Bloomfield Community Coalition (BBCC) Youth Action Board's Teen Summer Concert is coming - Friday, June 9th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., at the outdoor stage in Shain Park, downtown Birmingham! The BBCC will be showcasing all the talented teens we have in the community and we want your teens to be a part of that! We know West Hills has many teens who are musicians - sing, dance, and have many talents. Please help us get the word out so they can be seen and heard at this amazing event that is being planned by teens for teens!
4th and 5th Grade Families - Please see this note below inviting you to join in on the fun for Lone Pine's end of the year carnival.
Join us on Friday, June 16th from 5:30-8:30pm on the lower fields for the annual PTO Spring Carnival! This year the Carnival will include games and prizes, bounce houses, DJ and dancing, airbrush tattoos, face painting, balloon art, food trucks, ice cream, cotton candy AND a silent auction with some amazing prizes! We hope you will join us! Tickets are $15/child in advance or $20 at the door (food truck purchases not included). See this flyer to order your tickets today!
The IB Learner Profile Trait for May: COMMUNICATOR
The IB Learner Profile trait for May is “Communicator.” Students who are communicators are able to think and communicate in more than one language. They can express their ideas by speaking, drawing, and writing. They can also communicate using mathematical language and symbols. Ultimately, we strive for our students to work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
How can parents help to develop students who are Communicators at home?
Encourage your child to stay in touch with relatives and friends who live in other states or countries by writing letters, using the phone or sending an email.
When working on mathematics homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.
Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating effectively with others.
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.
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.
If you paid a pay to participate fee for your student(s) for the 2021/2022 school year and the student did not participate in a sport or club, or if you paid a sports fee and your student only participated in a club, you may be entitled to a refund.
Please note, if your student attended a club meeting at least three times, the club fee is applicable. For sports, if they attended at least three meetings (intramural) or one game (travel), the sport fee is applicable and no refund will be issued.
Join us for the BHHS Baseball & Softball Community Night & Home Run Derby on Friday, May 26! Softball HR Derby at 3pm, Youth Clinic (registration site on flyer) at 4pm, and Baseball Championship Derby Round at 5pm.
Reconnect with nature at the Johnson Nature Center by joining us on a guided hike that reveals the wide, wonderful, and whimsical world of birds!
With an area that spans nearly 45 acres, the nature center has become a popular “stop-over” for migrating birds. This gives interested birders the opportunity to view them within several habitats the nature center offers, such as forest, prairie, and wetland. What birds will be spotted next? What are some crazy bird stories that have happened here? Is a bird a dinosaur in disguise? Find out all these things and more in this recurring program being held the last Saturday of the month, April through August.
Cost: $12 per person (1 year old and younger - Free)
All ages
