May 8, 2021
Dear West Hills School Community:
It only seems fitting to begin this week's message with a warm wish of thanks and praise to all of our West Hills community mothers/caretakers. Whether it is raising your own child(ren) or making an influential impact on another individual, the kind, caring and loving way in which each of you fosters and models valuable character traits has an immense impact on our school and society.
Looking ahead, it is hard to believe we are beginning to solidify details on many of our end-of-the-year events. I encourage you to look through the key dates section below and mark your calendars! We will be sending out more specific information related to these events as it becomes available in the weeks to come.
This Thursday, as Ramadan ends, we observe Eid al-Fitr on Thursday, May 13 with a day off of school.
Let's each keep doing our part:
- Please continue to do the daily screener
- Keep your students home if they are not feeling well
- Keep your students home if a household member is awaiting Covid testing results.
- Please abide by our quarantine guidelines if need be
- Please be sure to mask up when on school property...even during drop off and pick up!
"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." -Charles Dickens
Andy
Andy Gignac
Principal
West Hills Middle School
Bloomfield Hills Schools
School A/B Schedule:
Mon., May 10 - B Day
Tues., May 11 - A Day
Wed., May 12 - B Day
Thurs., May 13 - No School - Eid al-Fitr
Fri., May 14 - A Day
KEY DATES
Wed., May 12 4th-Grade Field Trip to the Nature Center (Bialk/Castellani in a.m., Gordon in p.m.)
Thurs., May 13 No School - Eid al-Fitr
Fri., May 14 (*) Progress Report #4 (6th/7th/8th)
Tues., May 25 Current 4th and 5th Grade Band and Orchestra Instrumental Selection 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Sign-Up Genius coming soon)
Wed., May 26 Virtual PTO Meeting 9:30 a.m.
Wed., May 26 Incoming 6th-Grade Infomation Presentation (following the PTO Meeting)
Thurs., May 27 BHS Multicultural Celebration @BHHS 5:30-8:00
Fri., May 28 Virtual Move-Up Day (No Face-to-Face Classes)
Mon., May 31 No School - Memorial Day
Mon., June 7 Pre-Record Virtual National Junior Honor Society Video Release
Tues., June 8 Pre-Recorded Virtual Middle School Band & Orchestra Performance Release
June Release Date TBD - Pre-Recorded Virtual 8th Grade Musical Community Performance
June Release Date TBD - Pre-Recorded Virtual Middle School Choir Performance
Tues., June 15 8th Grade Recognition Program 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at BHHS Stadium
Fri., June 18 Last Day of School – ½ Day of School 11:35 a.m. Dismissal
Fri., June 18 (*) End of 4th Quarter/2nd Semester
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On Wednesday, April 28, our administration team and teachers presented to our incoming 4th-grade families to support the transition into West Hills Middle School. Click HERE to view a recording of the presentation.
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M-Step testing began the week of April 26th for 5th and 8th-grade students. 8th-grade has completed their testing and 5th-grade will be finishing this upcoming week. Please take note of the State testing windows for each grade level. We plan to administer the M-Step for 4th, 6th, and 7th-grade the last two weeks of May. Bloomfield Virtual students in 4th and 5th grade will receive separate guidance from Mrs. Teal. Remote students in grades 6th-8th were previously surveyed about attending in-person testing and will receive communication about testing sessions.
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.
M-Step Testing Windows
April 12 – May 21: 5th grade: ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies & 8th grade: Science and Social Studies
April 26 – June 4: 4th, 6th & 7th grades ELA and Math
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Grade-Up Math Placement testing will occur from Monday, May 17 through Friday, May 28 (grade-level specific date(s) will fall during that window), with decisions and family notification occurring in June. If you want your child to be considered for Grade-Up Math placement, please contact your child's classroom teacher/guidance counselor by Monday, May 10. For more information about our math placement, data considerations, and placement notification, please click here and click on the math link.
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Your child’s Math 7 teacher has or will be reviewing this information with your child. Next year, current Math 7 students will be enrolled in either Math 8 or Algebra. Both options offer rigor and challenge for students. We have updated our Grade Up Process for students who are completing Math 7 for the current school year. A summary of the changes can be found here. Ultimately, it is up to the family to determine which course (Math 8 or Algebra) is appropriate for their child. To assist in the decision making process, an optional assessment can be given during the last two weeks of May to help students and caregivers understand student mastery on the 7th and 8th grade Common Core State Standards. We ask that a caregiver complete this Math Course Selection Survey for Current Math 7 Students by Monday, May 10 to give teachers and school leaders an idea of what course you think your child will take next school year and if you would like to participate in the Algebra Readiness test to help make your decision.
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The weekend of April 24 was an exciting one in many Bloomfield Hills School family households, as middle school Forensics students performed their well-rehearsed pieces for three rounds of judging in the virtual Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association (MIFA) Spring Forensics Tournament. Across Bloomfield Hills middle schools, the following students placed in their categories:
- Alex Abel (Semi-Finalist, Storytelling)
- Kailey Bachmann (Semi-Finalist, Dramatic Interpretation for Grades 5-6)
- Alyssa Greenhut (Semi-Finalist, Storytelling for Grades 5-6)
- Sloane Jaffe (Semi-Finalist, Dramatic Interpretation)
- Lola Konzen (3rd Place, Storytelling for Grades 5-6)
- Khyati Kumar (Semi-Finalist, Dramatic Interpretation for Grades 5-6)
- Brooke Lazar (Semi-Finalist, Storytelling)
- Arya Manohar (Semi-Finalist, Oratory)
- Lillian Moss (3rd Place, Storytelling)
- Harper Nagaj (4th Place, Declamation for Grades 5-6)
- Vera Nikonov (Semi-Finalist, Dramatic Interpretation for Grades 5-6)
- Hannah Oh (1st Place, Declamation for Grades 5-6)
- Julianna Owens (Semi-Finalist, Oratory)
- Isabella Papa (Honorable Mention, Dramatic Interpretation)
- Ava Pierre (1st Place, Dramatic Interpretation for Grades 5-6)
- Carmen Rocha (4th place, Original Interpretation)
- Fernanda Salmon-Perez (5th Place, Declamation)
- Hayden Schwartzenfeld (2nd Place, Dramatic Interpretation)
- Oliver Stuart (1st Place, Storytelling for Grades 5-6)
- Louisa Ullrich (5th Place, Dramatic Interpretation for Grades 5-6)
- Lillian Weiner (Semi-Finalist, Oratory)
- Brady Wilson (4th Place, Broadcasting)
Public speaking is the #1 fear of most Americans, and these courageous students stepped outside of their comfort zones to hone their public speaking skills. Congratulations to these students, and to all of our brave Forensics competitors who performed in this year’s middle school Forensics tournament!
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Summer is coming, and that means lots of items you will want to keep track of! Get ahead of your summer and camp labeling and support our PTO. Just visit this LINK when you shop to support WHMS PTO!
Contact Karen at karend...@gmail.com with questions.
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Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) established guidelines which outline that students aged 13 -19 (those that turn 13 during the season are included) who wish to participate in school sponsored athletics must participate in weekly COVID-19 testing (rapid antigen testing). This includes all students, whether learning virtually or in-person, who wish to participate in sports.
At this time, MDHHS states that failure or refusal to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing will disqualify the student from participation in school sponsored athletics. Testing is offered at no cost to the student-athlete.
In accordance with MDHHS guidance, all students ages 13 - 19 years of age, who wish to participate in school sponsored athletics are required to test once a week and must complete the Bloomfield Hills Schools Consent, Registration and Code of Conduct form.
Testing Details:
- Test Details: The rapid antigen test is not a PCR test. If a student has tested positive (PCR) for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, a note from a physician indicating that test result will exempt the student from testing (please send to: JCi...@bloomfield.org). At this time, there is no exemption from testing if a student is vaccinated against COVID-19. If a student tests positive during the rapid test, they will be sent home and asked to follow up with a PCR test by their healthcare provider.
- Safety Measures: Rapid testing does not change the requirement for masks to be worn during sports that cannot maintain 6ft of distance.
- Testing Times: All three middle schools will have their own separate testing time on Saturdays at the Bloomfield Hills High School. This will reduce disruption to school days at the middle schools.
- Makeup Testing: In order to reduce the risk of transmission, only one makeup day per week will be held at Bloomfield Hills High School prior to the start of the school day at 7 a.m. on April 19 & May 3, 10, 17.
Testing Steps:
- Fill out the Bloomfield Hills Schools Consent, Registration and Code of Conduct form.
- Review testing dates and times to ensure prompt arrival at Bloomfield Hills High School
Students aged 13 -19 (those that turn 13 during the season are included) who wish to participate in school sponsored athletics must participate in weekly COVID-19 testing.
Middle School Testing Schedule:
Saturday May 8 and May 15:
- East Hills: 8:30 a.m.
- West Hills: 8:45 a.m.
- BHMS: 9:00 a.m.
High School Testing Schedule for Monday May 10, 2021:*
- International Academy Student Athletes - 7:00 a.m.
- Group 1 (Boys Golf - Full Program, Varsity Baseball, Varsity Softball, Girls Tennis - Full Program): 7:30 a.m.
- Group 2 (Freshman and JV Baseball, JVB & Var Girls Soccer): 8:15 a.m.
- Group 3 (Boys and Girls Lacrosse - Full Programs): 9:00 a.m.
- Group 4 : (JV Softball, Track and Field - Full Program: 9:35 a.m.
*The following weeks we will rotate the weeks previous last group to be the first group. IA will always be the first group each week.
UPDATED INFORMATION: As of 5/6/21: Any student who is fully vaccinated and is not experiencing symptoms after being identified as a close contact will not be required to quarantine. Any student who has a documented prior illness of Covid-19 within the last 3 months and is not experiencing symptoms after being identified as a close contact, will not be required to quarantine.
- Attend testing by entering the high school through the Athletic Entrance, into the main gym through the north doors, and proceeding to Station 1.
Station 1: Check In
Students will check in at station 1 and will receive their testing card packet. Students will proceed to Station 2.
Station 2: Card ID
The testing packet will be identified with the students name and time of arrival. In addition, the reagent fluid will be added to the testing card and students will proceed to Station 3.
Station 3: Testing
Students will hand the card to COVID Test administrator. At that point, the testing administrator will swab one nostril 6 times, swab the other nostril 6 times and then insert swab into the testing card for completion of the test.
Dismissal:
The student will be dismissed immediately after completion of the test. In the event of a positive test, a BHS employee will contact the family with further instructions. Oakland County Health Department will also be notified of positive tests.
Attend a makeup date if you missed the Saturday testing by following Steps 1-3 on April 19; May 3, 10, 17 at 7:00 am at Bloomfield Hills High School.
Resources:
Please direct any questions to John Ciecko, JCi...@bloomfield.org.
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The summer programs in Bloomfield Hills Schools will extend the school year by providing continuous learning opportunities for students.
Register Now
Complete Course Descriptions
Grades K-8
For students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade, BHS Summer Academy will include small group instruction, with a desired outcome of building confidence and providing enriched social experiences. The summer academy will focus on interacting with peers and teachers to build upon math and literacy skills. The learning format will be in-person, no charge for students, and open to all Bloomfield Hills Schools students. In order to balance the need for a summer break, classes will be held for two and a half hours, three days a week, for four weeks. Students can continue with another four week session for additional learning time.
Students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade also have the option to participate in Staying Sharp virtual learning with a focus on math and literacy. These live-virtual sessions take place twice a week, for 30 minutes, for four weeks, and cost $75 (no cost for students with free/reduced lunch status).
High School
High school students have a variety of summer program options. The learning format is virtual, with in-person office hours for tutoring and support offered on the Bloomfield Hills High School campus. Summer programming for high school students offers three options; (1) a student may retake a course in order to improve their grade, (2) recover credits for a course that was not successfully passed during the school year, (3) earn credit for a required course in order to advance and accelerate their high school curriculum.
New This Summer: Bowers School Farm Summer Immersion
New this summer, students entering grades nine through twelve can earn half of an elective credit with a course called Bowers School Farm Summer Immersion. This course is a hand-on learning opportunity focusing on exploration of self and exploration of place. With an emphasis on innovation, communication, and social emotional learning, students will engage with the animals and outdoor community at Bowers School Farm. The class will be held in-person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon for eight weeks and begin on June 22. The cost is $200.
If you have any questions, please send an email to communi...@bloomfield.org
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IB Learner Profile of the Month: Balanced
This April, we are focused on “the importance of BALANCING different aspects of our lives ~
intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others.” ~IBO
Learner Profile Trait Focus for April: Balanced
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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How to Introduce Mindfulness to our Children: A blog with some great activities, videos and books on teaching our kids the importance of mindfulness and ways to practice it at home to increase school/life balance and reduce stress
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Finding the Balance with After-School Activities
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Eat, Play, Grow website for healthy balanced nutrition and physical activities for kids.
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
We appreciate your efforts at home to help support the Learner Profile Traits each month!
MYP learners strive to be:
Inquirers Open-Minded
Knowledgeable Caring
Thinkers Risk-takers
Communicators Balanced
Principled Reflective
Social Emotional Learning
Throughout Bloomfield Hills School we have placed a great emphasis on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for our students and staff. The resource for our SEL curriculum development is based on CASEL’s Core Competencies which allow for design opportunities where adults can connect, heal, and build capacity to support students and each other.
April SEL Lessons & Resources - Self-Care
Throughout the month of April we focus on Self-Care and Social Awareness: The abilities to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. This includes the capacities to feel compassion for others, understand broader historical and social norms for behavior in different settings, and recognize family, school, and community resources and supports. As we process the current pandemic and racial injustices, self-awareness is critical to identifying and processing our complex emotions when things are uncertain and socially turbulent, reflecting on our strengths; understanding our cultural, racial, and social identities; and examining our implicit biases.
Click HERE for additional resources related to Self-Care.
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PTO Fundraising Opportunities
Box Tops for Education Goes Digital
PTO Membership
Please join and support the PTO: Like you, the WHMS PTO is experiencing the social, emotional, physical, and financial impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic. We will continue to support our staff, build community, and help fund clubs and activities--all of which make WHMS such an amazing school. But, as a result of the pandemic, many of our traditional PTO events and activities for at least the fall of 2020 will need to be canceled or postponed. Given this reality and our hope to provide spring events and to continue to support our students and staff, we still need YOU to join our PTO.
PTO INFO: It’s easy to get and stay in the loop all year around by...
WHMS Spirit Wear Sale
We are so excited to announce all-new WH spirit wear!! Brand new designs to chose from! T’s, pajama pants, masks and more!!! Buy some cute gear and support WH at the same time! Merchandise can be ordered from the link below and picked up at Perfect Trading. Click HERE to check it out.
Happy Shopping!!!
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Black Hawks Marching Band Camp is scheduled to take place from July 27 through August 1, 2021.
Registration is due by Tuesday, June 1.
Please register your student using this form.
Questions can be directed to Alan Posner, Band Director, at APo...@bloomfield.org.
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- First Day of Season: August 11
- Team Registration Link
- Calendar/Schedule will be posted on the team website in the next few weeks
- Season: August 11 - November 21
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The Spring Girls Golf Clinic is designed specifically for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students interested in playing high school competitive golf. The attendees will learn:
- Fundamentals of the game
- Golf course management
- Long and short game drills and basics
- Putting drills and basics
- Rules of the game
If interested, please contact Coach Brendan Harrington via email at (harring...@yahoo.com) or phone at 248-941-8091.*
Dates: 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20
Cost: $10 per session (attend as many as you’d like. Pay cash per week)
When/where: 3:45-4:45 at Carl’s Golfland
Who: Middle School girls, grades 5-8
- Returning varsity golfers will assist Coach Harrington
Includes: learn the basics of the game, meeting other golfers, BHHS Golf swag (for those who attend at least FOUR of the sessions)
*Please RSVP to Coach Harrington by April 13 for planning purposes.
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What's Happening at Other Schools
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