April 29, 2023
Dear West Hills School Community:
Over the past week we had many exciting activities for our students and staff.
- Our staff, and some of our students, participated in Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme virtual site visits. The IB provides an outside team of educators from around the world to review the work we've done and observe learning in action. The purpose of the site visits is to provide feedback in helping to grow our implementation of the IB philosophy.
- Disability Awareness Workship: Our 4th graders were able to experience what it is like to have particular challenges. We appreciate Mrs. Wroblewski for her work in setting up the workshop and our many parent and BHHS NHS student volunteers for supporting this meaningful event.
- Field Trips: We had 4th graders at the farm, 7th graders on their first Religious Diversity Journey, and 6th-8th grade French students in an immersion experience.
- Congratulations to our 6th-grade choir students and Mrs. Pierre as they performed their Motown concert this past Tuesday!
- MSTEP: Nearly all of our students have completed the ELA and Math MSTEP tests. We have MSTEP tests remaining for 5th and 8th grade. Please see the article below
This upcoming week will not disappoint...We are so excited for this Wednesday, May 3, as our 5th-Grade students have their PYP Exhibition on Wednesday evening. Please consider joining us for this celebration of collaboration and learning! You will also notice Oakland Schools Stemi truck appearing in our back parking lot this weekend. On Monday and Tuesday, our 7th-grade students will have the opportunity to engage in STEM learning experiences in this mobile classroom.
The WHMS PTO will be recognizing our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12). Please look for a sign-up email this week. Thanks in advance for supporting and contributing to this recognition.
8th-Grade Families - We have added more information into our 8th-Grade article below. Please take a look as our 8th-Grade party requires action by May 15 if your child plans to be a part of the party!
Enjoy the weekend!
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis
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 1 - A Day
Tues., May 2 - B Day
Wed., May 3 - A Day
Thurs., May 4 - B Day
Fri., May 5 - A Day
KEY DATES
Wednesday, May 3 5th-Grade Exhibition 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Mon-Fri, May 8-12 Teacher Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 9 Full Day of School (Originally a half day.)
Wednesday, May 10 4th Grade Instrument Selection @BHHS 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, May 12 Progress Report 4 (Grades 6-8)
Monday, May 15 6-8th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 24 8th Grade NJHS Induction Ceremony 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 26 1/2 Day of School; 8th Gr @ BHHS (Dismissal at 11:40 a.m. for WHMS)
Monday, May 29 No School
Wednesday, June 7 5th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert 7:00 p.m.
Monday, June 12 6th-8th Grade Choir Concert 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 13 8th-Grade Party @ Paradise Park (See article-RSVP by 5/15/23)
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 p.m.
Friday, June 16 8th-Grade Recognition Ceremony 9:15 a.m.
2022-23 BHS Calendar At-A-Glance (updated 4/5/23)
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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
- May 2 - Social Studies 5th Grade
- May 3 - Social Studies 8th Grade
- May 9 - Science 5th Grade
- Make-Up tests for absent students will be completed throughout the testing window
Grade Levels and M-STEP Content Area Information
- 4th grade: ELA & Math
- 5th grade: ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies
- 6th grade: ELA & Math
- 7th grade: ELA & Math
- 8th grade: Science and Social Studies
MDE Family Letter about State Testing
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The 5th Grade PYP Exhibition is just around the corner on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The evening is sure to be a true celebration of learning and hard work. Please join us in celebrating the research and team work of our 5th-grade students.
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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
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! Contact Karen Kaplan with questions at karend...@gmail.com.
NJHS Induction Ceremony
May 24 - 6:30 p.m.
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.
8th-Grade Musical
There are two casts for the musical performances.
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
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.
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Grade 8 Move Up Day will take place on Friday, May 26, 2023, from 7:55 to 10:30 a.m.
Upon arrival, students will be directed to the auditorium where their orientation activities will begin.
Eighth graders will have the opportunity to learn more about academics, athletics, and all that Bloomfield Hills High School has to offer. They will also engage in a variety of team-building activities throughout the morning.
Transportation:
- District bus transportation is provided for all BHS eighth graders to Bloomfield Hills High School for a 7:55 a.m. arrival during the regular high school pick-up schedule.
- There is no bus transportation after the orientation. Parents are responsible for student pick up from Bloomfield Hills High School at 10:30 a.m.
- Carpooling is strongly encouraged as there will be approximately 400 eighth grade students on site, all being picked up at the same time.
- If you have specific transportation related questions, please call the BHS Transportation Department at 248.341.6290.
Please note that BHS eighth grade students may not remain at the high school, nor may they return to their middle school on this day. Students not currently enrolled in Bloomfield Hills Schools should check with their current school as to whether they should return to their respective schools at the conclusion of the orientation session.
We look forward to having your child attend Bloomfield Hills High School and hope their next four years will be filled with great joy, wonderful memories, and unlimited success!
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SOUTH AND NORTH HILLS PTO TRANSITIONS: Representatives from WHMS have been hard at work, along with their colleagues from East Hills and Bloomfield Hills Middle. Transition topics include updating bylaws, creating new spirit wear, melding school traditions, finances, creating a new Facebook Page and other digital platforms, and filling PTO executive committee positions. Those interested in participating in these discussions can reach out to Sara Bolton (North Hills) or Kendra Dronzkowski (South Hills).
NOMINATIONS FOR NORTH HILLS (NHMS) PTO: Future NHMS families, please click HERE for a copy of an important PTO letter and nomination form that was recently sent out to NHMS families. Please note the deadlines indicated in the letter. Questions can be referred to northhil...@gmail.com.
NOMINATIONS FOR SOUTH HILLS (SHMS) PTO: The South Hills transition team has been working to secure a slate of candidates to present and to be voted on by the community. If you would like to nominate an individual, or if you have any general comments, please reach out to southhil...@gmail.com.
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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.
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Congratulations to the WHMS 6th grade Battle of the Books team, Titans of the Text! The Titans of the Text team met weekly for 2.5 months, read collaboratively six books having to know each book inside/out. During the competition they had to answer 50 questions each within 30 seconds. Titans of the Text was awarded 2nd place out of eleven teams district wide and received the “Best Team Spirit” Award! Way to go Titans of the Text!
Team members included: Hunter Borenstein, Steven Choukourian, Sandeep Khullar, Gabe McNally, Kai Olson, Elliot Prendergast, Chase Qonja, and Elliott Withers.
The team had the good fortune to meet the authors of two of the books featured in the event, Ms. Saadia Faruqi and Ms. Kelly J. Baptist. A big thank you to WHMS librarians Ms. Amatulli and Ms. Spanos, as well as Ms. Patricia Ballard of the Bloomfield Township Public Library for making the experience extraordinary for all.
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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.
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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.
Click HERE for a copy of the WHMS Dress Code.
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Learner Profile Trait Focus for April: Balanced
Spotlight on the IB
"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.
Parent Resources:
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Video on the Learner Profile: Balanced
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Eat, Play, Grow website for healthy balanced nutrition and physical activities for kids.
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Mindfulness for Kids
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Pediatric Coping Skills
Kristen Vigier
IB Teacher Leader and k-12 Social Studies Teacher Leader
kvi...@bloomfield.org
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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)
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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May 3, 2023 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
May 11, 2023 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
May 12, 2023 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM |
May 15, 2023 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
May 17, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
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