May 5, 2023
Dear West Hills School Community:
We had a great week headlined by our 5th-Grade Exhibition Wednesday night. Our students were amazing, presenting on a variety of topics related to the Great Lakes. The musical performances were energizing and it was great to see so many loved ones present to support our students. A special thank your to Mrs. Bratton, Mr. Raines, Mrs. Reidt, Mrs. Vigier, Mrs. Oberst, Sra. Mareski, Ms. Schlenker, and the mentors for the roles they each played in making the evening an incredible success.
You may have wondered what was going on in the lower parking lot this week. Our 7th graders were able to take part in an Oakland Schools field trip on site - right here at West Hills! We borrowed Oakland Schools' large STEMi truck and trailer, a 1000 square foot mobile lab designed to provide meaningful hands-on experiences with the latest industry technologies. It was truly amazing to imagine the world our young people will create and work in! So inspiring!
Finally, please take some time to review the article about MATH PLACEMENT for the 23-24 school year and our KEY DATES section below. We have been able to calendar a number of our end-of-year events. In the upcoming weeks, we will outline more specifics, but I wanted you to be able to add these important dates to your calendars. As always, let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help!
The WHMS PTO will be recognizing our staff this upcoming week, Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12). Thank you for filling up the sign-up sheet so quickly!
Have a great weekend!
"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."
-Charles Dickens
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 8 - B Day
Tues., May 9 - A Day
Wed., May 10 - B Day
Thurs., May 11 - A Day
Fri., May 12 - B Day
KEY DATES
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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Grade-Up Math Placement testing will occur on Tuesday, May 23, 8:30-10:30 a.m., 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 Friday, May 12. Additional information can be found here on our district website.
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This school year is beginning to come to an end. Your child’s Math 7 teacher has or will be reviewing this information with your child. Next year, Math 7 students will be enrolled in either Math 8 or Algebra. Both options offer rigor and challenge for students. In recent years, we updated our Grade Up Process for students who are completing Math 7. 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 the morning of May 23 to help students and caregivers understand student mastery of 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 Friday, May 12 to give teachers and building 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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** For all current 4th Grade Parents and Students **
During this evening event, parents will accompany their child as they try each of the band and orchestra instruments to aid in the final fitting. Each family will also meet with the appropriate Director to finalize instrument selection, receive a packet of information about the program (including how to obtain a quality instrument), and have any questions answered in person. Students whof choose stringed instruments will also be measured by their director for proper instrument size.
Find your recommended time slot, by last name, listed below. If your designated time is inconvenient, feel free to come at a time that works best for you. However, keeping to assigned times as much as possible will help to minimize large crowds and optimize your experience.
Please come join the Elementary/Middle School Instrumental Music Faculty at this important event!
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - BHHS Gymnasium
- 4:30-5:30 p.m. Last Name A-G
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. Last Name H-M
- 6:30-7:30 p.m. Last Name N-S
- 7:15-8:15 p.m. Last Name T-Z
BHS Instrumental Selection Informational Flyer
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Students in the 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra had the opportunity to participate in Solo & Ensemble Festival at Oakview Middle School. The event is designed to challenge students to grow their musical skills and requires students to learn an instrumental piece of music that is performed in front of an adjudicator. Each performance is rated by the adjudicator, who also gives them feedback to further their musical development. All of the students who participated did extremely well and received a Division 1 (Superior) or Division 2 (Excellent) rating and earned a medal. The following students proudly represented West Hills:
Grant Moyer, Grayson Stricher, Sophia Terebesi, Lucas Oram-Mitchell, Yahia Fouda, Nikhil Gupta, Aliza Mercado, Andrea Bratton, Anya Holowko, Callie Hruska and Charlotte-Louise Gaillard
Congratulations to all of the students who performed at the festival for their hard work and exceptional musicianship! Please CLICK HERE to view pictures from the event.
Mr. Erde and Mrs. Lucas
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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! 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.
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. at BH High School, 4200 Andover Road.
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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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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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.
Refund Request Form
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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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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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International Baccalaureate Site Visit
Last week, our Middle Years Programme including all three middle schools and our high school had our first virtual program evaluation ever after seven years since our previous evaluation! You may be wondering, What is a program evaluation? It is essentially an opportunity for our learning community to reflect on the strengths of our program and opportunities for further development within the IB standards and practices that provide a framework for our community of learners.
We began the process over a year ago by surveying stakeholders and reflecting on feedback data to draft a self-study reflection that is shared with IB. Additionally, we shared artifacts such as units of study, service reflections, Middle Years Programme policies and many more documents to help capture a snapshot of where we are on a course of continued improvement.
Our two site visitors came from very different corners of the world, Texas and Columbia and provided global perspectives, having taught and led districts in the US, South America and Europe. They had the opportunity to speak with administrators, teachers, support staff, students, and parents regarding our district vision and implementation of the Middle Years Program.
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?
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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.
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When working on mathematics homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.
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Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating effectively with others.
Communication resources for parents:
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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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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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 |
May 18, 2023 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
What's Happening at Other Schools
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