june 2015 laker

2014-15 Back-To-School SupplemenTFIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

SHEIKO CELEBRATES A YEAR OF LEADERSHIP!

by Carrie Bulbuk

This year, Sheiko Elementary began our journey as a Leader In Me school. Leader in Me is a process that transforms the school community from the inside out by teaching and living the principles found in Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The process teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader. The Sheiko staff believes that the Leader In me program provides a common thread by using the language of the 7 habits to quilt an embracing culture that leaves a legacy within our Sheiko students. We are committed to finding the leader in every student; preparing all to be their best as grateful leaders and reflective learners. We are proud to join over 2000 Leader In Me schools globally as they create leaders and learners one student at a time.

Our journey began in the fall of 2013, when Sheiko staff read The Leader in Me (Stephen Covey). His 7 habits and reflective language were introduced over morning announcements and from stories read from the children’s version, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids (Sean Covey). Securing funding for the Leader In Me process was the

next step. In May 2014, we received notice that the I Am A Leader Foundation had selected Sheiko Elementary for a grant! Staff attended a three-day training on the 7 habits and in August received training on implementation with students. Staff also came in to paint and transform the learning environment prior to school opening.

Nearly one year into the process, Sheiko held their first annual Leadership Day on May 1. Invitations were sent out to the local community including parents, board members, administration and other adults. Sheiko staff and students prepared for their guests by decorating the school with Legos for their “Building Leaders and Learners” theme. Students applied for a variety of leadership jobs including technology leaders, art designers, caterers, photographers, sales consultants, appearance patrol, master of ceremonies and communication experts.

About 100 people attended the Leadership Day and we were ready! Mrs. McDowell’s third grade students welcomed our guests to the building as they first entered. In our multipurpose room, Mrs. Winer’s 4th grade class performed a leadership song and grade level representatives spoke about leadership. Mrs. James, our principal, spoke about our journey and presented the Lighthouse Team (the staff implementation team) with our official “Leader In Me” school plaque. The program continued with tours around the building led by 4th grade tour guides. Our guests saw classrooms in action and learned how different classes have implemented the 7 habits and leadership skills in their room. After the tours, guests reconvened in the multipurpose room for the Sheiko school song led by Mrs. Kutsick and the third graders. It was a wonderful day showcasing our students and their remarkable leadership skills. We look forward to our continuing journey as staff and students further progress in the leadership process.

Educating Students to be their Best IN and FOR the World!

West Bloomfield School District Publication

www.wbsd.orgJune 2015 • Issue 4 • Volume 41

“We only get one chance

to prepare children

for a world none of us can

possibly predict, what are

we going to do with that

one chance?”—Principal Muriel Summers, A.B. Combs Elementary

Creator of the first Leadership Elementary School

2015 School Year Ends With High Honors and Recognitions!

DECA West Bloomfield DECA Joins over 17,000 DECA Members at International Career Development Conference 16 students from the West Bloomfield School DECA chapter traveled to Orlando, Florida to attend the 69th annual International Career Development Conference. Over 17,000 students representing all 50 states and nine foreign countries including Canada, China, Mexico and Spain, attended the leadership and business conference/competition. The West Bloomfield DECA team performed admirably earning Third Place and Top Ten awards at the competition.

Award winners included:Third Place - Virtual Business Sports MarketingDaniel Eilender (12), Jarrell Ku (12)

Top Ten- Financial Operations Research EventRupin Balabhadra (12), David Hotz (12), Jonathan Nirenberg (12)(continued on page 3)

Students who received honors above: Jonathan Nirenberg, David Hotz, Rupin Balabhadra, Jarrell Ku, and Daniel Eilender.

(Hill - continued on page 3)

2 THE LAKER June 2015

Educating Students to be theirBest IN and FOR the World!

West Bloomfield School District

Dr. Gerald D. Hill, Superintendent

Dr. Gerald D. Hill

What the rankings DON’T tell you . . .

Each year, several national publications release their “Best High School” rankings. We all like to see our district and schools recognized in these lists, but what does it really mean to be the best? Unfortunately, you can’t put too much stock in these rankings, as the criteria are somewhat arbitrary, limited in scope and inconsistent from one ranking to another. In selecting the ranking criteria, student scores on state accountability assessments and the range of those scores among students within the school are the primary factors used to determine a school’s ranking. However, over reliance on high-stakes assessments in the rankings ignores many other factors which are equally or more important to student success beyond high school. Lacking consistency in methodology, it is possible to be ranked highly by one publication and receive a low or no ranking from others. I would submit that great schools should be identified by more real world characteristics and outcomes, in addition to scores on high stakes external assessments. We need to consider the internal components of a high school to determine if it actually delivers results that prepare students for life after graduation.

By any definition, academic achievement, student accomplishments, citizenship, and the choices that students have upon graduation are the key results of great and effective schools. To consistently get these results, a strong learning culture must exist. In high performing schools, this learning culture is characterized by: a safe and secure learning environment; a faculty that understands and shares the school’s goals; high standards and expectations for all students; cohesive and collaborative relationships between and among administrators, teachers, support staff and students; a relevant curriculum, with innovative instruction measured by formative and summative assessments that are aligned with State standards; engaged students taking ownership of their learning; and an active, involved and supportive parent community.

Does West Bloomfield High School possess these characteristics and does it effectively prepare students for success after high school? While it is difficult to measure each learning culture characteristic, they are the key components to high-performing schools. As measures, we gather perspectives from teachers, students and parents via surveys and we solicit testimonials from graduates and others familiar with how the school works. We personally visit all of our schools to observe the cultural dynamics. We also rely on an assessment from a recognized accreditation agency, AdvancED, which independently audits our learning processes and results. Each of these assessments is a valid way to measure the learning culture and the data gathered reaffirms what we are doing. But what are the actual results? How do WBHS students perform in those key areas of academic achievement, student accomplishments and citizenship and what choices do students have upon graduation?

Academic Achievement and Scholarship In this important category, WBHS students excel. This year, there are two National Merit Scholars and 42 seniors who are recognized as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars earned through excellent scores on multiple AP exams. One student has been accepted as a Cadet at West Point giving WBHS a total of 4 students who will attend West Point this fall - more than any other high school in the country. Additionally, WBHS graduates have earned more than $5 million in college scholarships, with more scholarships being confirmed daily. They will be attending many prestigious colleges, universities and technical schools including: Arizona State, Art Institute of Chicago, Bowling Green State University, Douglas J. Aveda Institute, Emory University, Georgia State, Grambling State, Lake Erie College, Lincoln Memorial University, Michigan State, Penn State, Santa Barbara

City College, Stanford University, Tuskegee University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, University of Texas, West Point and Xavier University.

Fine Arts Accomplishments and RecognitionsThe WBHS fine arts program consistently receives high honors and recognitions at MCBA Marching Band State Finals; MCGC State Championships in Drumline and Color Guard; first division ratings at the MSBOA Band and Orchestra District Festival. The Drumline and Color Guard were both 2015 WGI Regional Finalists and the Drumline was a 2015 WGI World Semi Finalist. Our Orchestra received First Division Ratings at MSBOA District Festival with many individual students earning a 1st division rating thus gaining eligibility to participate at the state level in violin, viola and string quartet. At the MSBOA Orchestra Festival, the Symphony Orchestra earned a 1st Division Rating at the AA Level; at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival, several students received 1st Division ratings. The Laker Express Choir participated in the 2015 Michigan Youth Arts Festival and two students were selected as Michigan Distinguished Scholars in Vocal Jazz; three students made the MSVMA State Honors Choir. At the MSVMA Solo/Ensemble Festival, Laker Express and the Chamber Choir earned Excellent with Superior Distinction ratings; at the MSVMA Choral Festival, the Chamber Choir earned Excellent with Superior Distinction ratings

Athletic Accomplishments and HonorsWBHS Athletics offers 27 varsity sports and just completed a banner year. The Football team finished with a 9–2 record, making the playoffs for just the second time in school history and won its first ever playoff game. Two football players received All-State honors. Three varsity Girls Swim Team members qualified for state competition. The Girls Volleyball team advanced to district finals. The Boys Basketball team won the league championship and had one All-State player. The Boys Swim and Dive team sent 7 swimmers to state competition. The Competitive Cheer squad won the league championship. The Wrestling team had 3 wrestlers qualify for the state tournament and one wrestler made All-State for the second year in a row. Boys Golf won the OAA Gold championship. The Baseball team won the OAA White championship with two players named MHSBCA All Stars. Eight Track & Field athletes qualified for state competition. Academically, both the Boys Tennis and the Girls Volleyball teams were Academic All State, with the Boys Tennis team having a 3.98 cumulative GPA for the team.

Impressively, 15 student athletes signed National Letters of Intent to participate in intercollegiate athletics at the following colleges/universities: Robert Morris, Indiana, Purdue, Michigan State, Northwood, Wayne State (2), Walsh University, Western Michigan, Lake Erie College, Saginaw Valley State University, Lincoln Memorial University, Adrian, Lake Michigan College, and Henry Ford CC. Several Football, Basketball and Baseball players were awarded college athletic scholarships, totaling approximately $1.1 million.

Student Leadership/Citizenship Activities and ContributionsWBHS students exhibited strong leadership skills and contributed to a high spirited and supportive learning culture. • The Student Leadership Class and Student Government received the MASC/MAHS Award of Excellence, the highest honor that is bestowed on a leadership class/student government in the state of Michigan through the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies. • WBHS leadership students had the opportunity to attend 10 different leadership conferences sponsored by the Oakland Activities Association and the Michigan Association of Student

Notice of NoNdiscrimiNatioN: It is the policy of the West Bloomfield

School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin,

sex, age, height, weight, religion, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation, be excluded from participation in, be

denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination in employment or any of

its programs or activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding

the nondiscrimination policies:

Mr. Rick Arnett Deputy Superintendent

for Human Resources5810 Commerce Road

West Bloomfield MI 48324 (248) 865-6424

VOL. 41 • ISSUE 4West Bloomfield School District

Office of Community Relations & Marketing

248-865-6454www.wbsd.org

Editor/Writer ....................... Pamela ZajacAssistant Editor/Writer ...........Cynthia Hill

Printed on Recycled Paper

West Bloomfield school district

Dr. Gerald D. HillSuperintendent

West Bloomfield high school248-865-6720

oaklaNd early college248-522-3540

oaklaNd opportuNity academy248-209-2025

West Bloomfield traNsitioN ceNter248-865-6470

aBBott middle school248-865-3670

orchard lake middle school248-865-4480

doherty elemeNtary school248-865-6020

gretchko elemeNtary school248-865-6570

roosevelt elemeNtary school248-865-6620

scotch elemeNtary school248-865-3280

sheiko elemeNtary school248-865-6370

Our Mission:“The Laker strengthens the vital relationship between

West Bloomfield School District and the community by clearly

communicating in a timely and relevant manner the many successes of our students, schools and community.”

Around the district

THE LAKER June 2015Educating Students to be theirBest IN and FOR the World!


3

Councils and Honor Societies. • Leadership students connected with students at both middle schools and the elementary schools through their elementary and middle school connections committees. • The leadership classes gave immensely to charitable organizations this school year through monetary donations, projects, and the donation of time. Projects include: adopt-a- family, volunteering at the Yad Ezra food pantry, blanket making for a Detroit shelter, spa kits for wish-upon-a-teen, and a dance at the Thursday Night Social Group at the JCC. The leadership class also donated close to $2,500 to various charities throughout the school year. • WBHS hosted Activist Week, which encouraged students to give back to their communities through item donations. Over 500 cans were collected for Yad Ezra, 980 books were collected for the African Library Project, and $140 for Friends of the Rouge. • This year's Homecoming was one of the best attended in years. Students were highly motivated to participate in all student activities and the leadership class hosted several events such as float building, dress up days, the football halftime show, pep assembly, parade, and dance. • School spirit increased through various activities such as Laker Lotto, Staff and Student Laker of the Week, Coffee House, and random give-a-way days. • An outstanding Winterfest Week and pep assembly included a staff dance and lip sync performances by the administration! • “The Swamp”, a spirited student group, was designated the top student section in Michigan, creating enthusiasm at athletic events that carried over into school day.

A learning culture rich in the right ingredients creates the proper conditions for optimal learning to occur. At WBSD, we challenge students to master academics while acquiring other skills, experience and knowledge that successfully equip them to be their best for the next steps in life beyond high school.

(Hill - continued from page 2)

FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Family FUN and a TRIBUTE to our armed services, police and firefighters who protect us every day!

• Police, Fire & Military Vehicles • DJ & Bounce Houses • Face Painting & Airbrush Tattoos • Photo Booth • Inflatable Football Toss • G.I. Johnny Air Balloon • Dunk Tank & MORE! • LIVE BAND!

W E S T B L O O M F I E L D S T RO N G !

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

WB HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALLWest Bloomfield vs. Clarkston

SALUTING OUR U.S. MILITARY, POLIcE & FIRE HEROES

Adult & HS Football Tickets $500

WBSD Elementary & MS Students Wear School Spirit -

Enter Football Game FREE!Military, Police & Fire I.D. FREE Half-Time Show & Giveaways!

WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH ScHOOL 4925 Orchard Lake Road

SAVE THE DATE!

Team members’ comments on their time in DECA reflect the value of this program. “Again, ICDC was an amazing experience to learn, grow, and have fun with a lot of my closest friends. It’s been an integral part of all four years of my high school experience, and has developed me into a better leader, speaker, and professional. Finishing 3rd in the nation was a sweet ending to an incredible journey.” – Jarrell Ku (12)

“New friends, new experiences, and memories that will last forever. DECA gave me all of this in my past three years and has made me who I am and has strongly influenced my goals and plans for the future.” – David Hotz (12)

“An unforgettable experience with my friends that I will remember for the rest of my life.” – Aaron Moskovitz (12)

“DECA has truly shaped my career pathway and has had a great influence in my life. ICDC in Orlando this year was an unreal experience with amazing friends and the best advisors, I could not have asked for a better end to my 4 year DECA career.” – Rupin Balabhadra (12)

“DECA allowed me to develop leadership and business skills beyond what the classroom can provide. I was able to network with business people from all over who will influence my future career. DECA is the most amazing experience!” – Jacob Rashty (12)

DECA is an International Competitive Business Organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in four fields of business: marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The WBHS DECA chapter integrates classroom instruction, applies learning, connects to business, and promotes competition in order to ready the next generation to be academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders.

Jesse Jeppesen, Jacob Rashty, Rupin Balabhadra, Daniel Eilender, David Hotz, Emma Huez, Marcus McLaughlin, Eli Ravid, Matthew Ladouceur, Aaron Moskovitz, Mitchell Hotz, Jarrell Ku, Jonathan Nirenberg, Jasmine Morigney, Lindsay Czinder, Roberto Escalante.




Curriculum and Instruction by Alesia L. Flye, Assistant Superintendent Continued Excitement around the West Bloomfield School District K-12 STEAM Instructional InitiativesThe district’s Strategic Planning & Community Engagement Committee has been very active this school year. This committee consists of Board of Education Members, the Superintendent, Administrators, and Community Members, which include the following: Dr. Nick Hersh, Board of Education President Randi Sakwa, Board of Education Vice President Julie Beaty, Board of Education Secretary Dr. Gerald Hill, SuperintendentThe purpose of this committee is to make recommendations regarding key issues facing the district. Currently, this oversight committee is focusing on ways to attract and retain students, through enhanced marketing of the excellent learning experiences that are available in the West Bloomfield School District.

Initial recommendations from this committee include the establishment of Roosevelt Elementary as a K-5 STEAM focused school and the Grade Level Reconfiguration of Gretchko Elementary and Scotch Elementary to provide consistent grade level alignment throughout the district.

Transitioning Roosevelt into a K-5 STEAM focused school has been well received! Enrollment projections have increased and there is great excitement about the integration of STEAM learning experiences into all content areas. Students will have the opportunity to work alongside professionals in the field on STEAM related projects. The following partners have been confirmed for the 2015-16 school year: Oakland University West Bloomfield High School Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department Sundberg Ferar Civil Air Patrol Lawrence Technical University College of Architecture & Design Michigan Design Council Michigan Science Center STEAM programs employ a Project Based Learning approach that more closely aligns with what students experience in college and the work force. Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem or challenge. STEAM incorporates the arts into this framework by recognizing that in order to be successful in technical fields, students must also be creative and use critical thinking skills.

In order to continue to provide Project Based Learning experiences for students, the district also plans to phase in Middle School Pathways beginning at grade six, for the 2015-16 school year. STEAM Pathways will utilize a Project Based Learning approach and will include the following tiers:Tier 1: Instructional Core Course Options • English Language Arts (ELA) with a Project Based Learning Focus. At least one section of this course will be offered at each middle school. • Science STEAM Focus. At least one section of this course will be offered at each middle school. • Culminating Learning Experience at West Bloomfield High SchoolTier 1 participation is a criteria-based application process. Interested students can still apply online at www.wbsd.org (click on either Abbott Middle School or Orchard Middle School for the STEAM Application link), if you would like your child to participate in an English Language Arts (ELA) 6th grade class, with a Project Based Learning Focus or a Science STEAM Focus 6th grade class.All students will have an opportunity to participate in Tiers 2-4 STEAM focused learning experiences. Tier 2: Cross Curricular STEAM Focused Projects each quarter/semesterTier 3: Cross Curricular STEAM Focused School-Wide ProjectTier 4: Extended Learning Experience, such as Space Camp or STEAM CampThe Middle School STEAM Pathways has also been received with great enthusiasm! Contact your child’s principal with questions or for additional information.

Keep Your Kids Reading This Summer by Kim MuncieMuch has been written about the importance of keeping kids reading over the summer months. We would like to remind our community of the Summer Reading Programs available to students at their local public libraries. The West Bloomfield Public Library Summer Reading theme is “Every Hero Has a Story”. Full details of all the opportunities available through this fun program are at http://www.wblib.org/summer/how_it_works.php. Students in grades 6-12 are responsible for completing a summer reading assignment as part of their English courses. Generally at the secondary level, students are required to read one book and a second book is chosen from a list of options. A few of the required readings are listed below: • 6th gr.: Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements • 7th gr.: Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick • Abbott 8th gr.: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli • OLMS 8th gr.: Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt • WBHS, 9th gr.: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Divergent by Veronica Roth

Students will receive the details regarding these assignments from their classroom teachers. Links to the supporting materials will be available on the individual school web sites in early June. We hope that your students will find pleasure in reading the books that have been selected for them by their English teachers! Wishing you and your child a fulfilling journey!

Grade Level Reconfiguration Brings Consistent Alignment Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, grade levels will be reconfigured at Gretchko Elementary and Scotch Elementary to provide consistent alignment throughout the district. Gretchko will become a grades K-2 school and Scotch will become a grades 3-5 school. This will mirror Doherty Elementary (grades K-2) and Sheiko Elementary (grades 3-5) on the south end of the district.

This grade level reconfiguration will not only provide consistent grade level alignment throughout the district, but will also increase the opportunities for staff collaboration and personalization of instruction for students. Gretchko and Doherty will enhance their focus on early literacy and numeracy as primary schools, while Scotch and Sheiko will continue to strengthen students’ foundational skills, by fostering greater student independence in preparation for the transition to middle school.

As a learning community, we are excited about the instructional continuity of these consistent reconfigurations. We anticipate a smooth transition, as Gretchko students who would normally attend Scotch for second grade, will simply remain at Gretchko. This grade level reconfiguration was approved by the West Bloomfield Board of Education, and supported by the District’s Strategic Planning & Community Engagement Committee, which consists of Board of Education members, administrators, and community members. The final recommendation was brought forward by the Gretchko/Scotch Grade Level Reconfiguration Sub-Committee, which included parents, teachers, principals, and district administrators.

Families in the Gretchko and Scotch communities will continue to receive updates regarding this transition. However, if you have immediate questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contract your child’s principal.

Alesia Flye, Asst. Supt. Curriculum & Instruction Art Ebert, Principal Roosevelt Elementary Christy Forhan, Community Member Raman Singh, Community Member

Navigating Online Environments for Positive Summer Learning Experiences by Stephanie Dulmage

As parents and educators it’s extremely important for us to help our children maximize the internet's benefits, while minimizing the risks. The vast resources at our children’s fingertips can support a positive, engaging summer learning experience as well as provide opportunities to learn about digital citizenship and creating responsible digital footprints. The links below represent a number of highquality educational content to feed your child’s thirst for knowledge and support continued learning throughout the summer. Don’t forget to visit the iCenter page on your child’s school website for additional resources.

Academic Content Grades K5

Academic Content Grades 6 12

Keyboarding Exploration of Ideas Coding

Mel (Michigan eLibrary) Kids

Learn Zillion

Ten Marks

Newsela (3 12)

CK112

Mel (Michigan eLibrary) Teens

CK12

YouTube Education Primary and Secondary

Kahn Academy

Newsela ( 3 12)

Dance Mat Typing

Typing Club

Keyboarding (Ages 5 12) Advanced Keyboarding (Ages 8 12)

Mousing Skills

Wonderopolis

Discovery Kids

National Geographic for Kids

Smithsonian Virtual Tour

Tynker Scratch Alice Build with Chrome CodeSpark

Throughout the school year, your children have had many opportunities to learn the ins and outs of online safety and how to be a responsible digital citizen. Both classroom teachers and the Information and Technology Specialists provide direct instruction on these topics and opportunities for students to practice digital citizenship. As we all know, continued conversations and reinforcement of the importance of online safety is a must. The links below highlight resources that both you and your children can utilize to support this important conversation.

Parent/Guardian Resources Student Resources

Common Sense Media Privacy and Internet Safety Common Sense Media Cyberbullying Common Sense Media Facebook, Instagram, & Social Media Google Online Safety Center

Digital Compass NetSmartKidz

Navigating Online Environments for Positive Summer Learning Experience by Stephanie Dulmage

As parents and educators, it’s extremely important for us to help our children maximize the internet's benefits, while minimizing the risks. The vast resources at our children’s fingertips can support a positive, engaging summer learning experience as well as provide opportunities to learn about digital citizenship and creating responsible digital footprints. The links below represent high-quality educational content to feed your child’s thirst for knowledge and support continued learning throughout the summer. Visit the iCenter page on your child’s school website for additional resources.

Throughout the school year, your children have had many opportunities to learn the ins and outs of online safety and how to be a responsible digital citizen. Both classroom teachers and the Information and Technology Specialists provide direct instruction on these topics and opportunities for students to practice digital citizenship. Continued conversations and reinforcement of the importance of online safety is a must. The links below highlight resources that both you and your children can utilize to support this important conversation.

Navigating Online Environments for Positive Summer Learning Experiences by Stephanie Dulmage

As parents and educators it’s extremely important for us to help our children maximize the internet's benefits, while minimizing the risks. The vast resources at our children’s fingertips can support a positive, engaging summer learning experience as well as provide opportunities to learn about digital citizenship and creating responsible digital footprints. The links below represent a number of highquality educational content to feed your child’s thirst for knowledge and support continued learning throughout the summer. Don’t forget to visit the iCenter page on your child’s school website for additional resources.

Academic Content Grades K5

Academic Content Grades 6 12

Keyboarding Exploration of Ideas Coding

Mel (Michigan eLibrary) Kids

Learn Zillion

Ten Marks

Newsela (3 12)

CK112

Mel (Michigan eLibrary) Teens

CK12

YouTube Education Primary and Secondary

Kahn Academy

Newsela ( 3 12)

Dance Mat Typing

Typing Club

Keyboarding (Ages 5 12) Advanced Keyboarding (Ages 8 12)

Mousing Skills

Wonderopolis

Discovery Kids

National Geographic for Kids

Smithsonian Virtual Tour

Tynker Scratch Alice Build with Chrome CodeSpark

Throughout the school year, your children have had many opportunities to learn the ins and outs of online safety and how to be a responsible digital citizen. Both classroom teachers and the Information and Technology Specialists provide direct instruction on these topics and opportunities for students to practice digital citizenship. As we all know, continued conversations and reinforcement of the importance of online safety is a must. The links below highlight resources that both you and your children can utilize to support this important conversation.

Parent/Guardian Resources Student Resources

Common Sense Media Privacy and Internet Safety Common Sense Media Cyberbullying Common Sense Media Facebook, Instagram, & Social Media Google Online Safety Center

Digital Compass NetSmartKidz

Student ResourcesParent/Guardian Resources

Academic Content 6-12 Keyboarding Exploration of IdeasAcademic Content K-5 Coding

• 10th gr.: Honors American Literature: The Road, Of Mice and Men, and Their Eyes Were Watching God• American Literature: Of Mice and Men and one of ten choices to be posted online. • 11th gr. Honors World Literature: Therese Raquin and another choice • World Literature: students read two of six titles to be posted online • 12th gr. AP Literature: The Poisonwood Bible, How to Read Literature Like a Professor, & a choice novel • AP Language: The Overachievers

Gretchko Students Learn That Every Step Matters!At Gretchko Elementary, students are learning the importance of helping others in the community. Team “Gretchko Stars” raised $1,500 and donated over 25 boxes of food and toiletries to the Lighthouse of Oakland County during their annual “Hunger Walk” in May. This walk was one of the culiminating events from their “Community Fair” and assisted the Lighthouse in achieving its goal of helping people in need move from crisis to self-sufficiency. Other charities that Gretchko donated to were the Almost Home Animal Shelter, March of Dimes and Our Children’s Fund.

Lego Leaders - Jr. First Lego League Comes to Gretchko!This year, six teams completed the Junior First Lego League challenge “Think Tank” at Gretchko Elementary School! Jr. First Lego League uses a real-world scientific concept that is explored through research, teamwork, construction, and imagination. Teams use LEGO® bricks to build a model that moves and they develop a Show Me Poster to illustrate their journey. The teams researched learning tools in different settings including a museum, a zoo, an amusement park, a firehouse, a farm and a library. They shared their findings at the school Science and Art Fair on April 30 and reviewers gave feedback to each team.

What is a Cardboard Challenge?Gretchko students had the opportunity to “think outside the box” during the school-wide “Cardboard Challenge” held at the Art & Science Fair on April 30th! The challenge was to create a game out of recycled items. The participants went through the engineering process taking them from “imagine and design” all the way to “improve and share” their creations. This idea was inspired by “Caine’s Cardboard Challenge” a film about a boy who made an arcade out of cardboard boxes. Today’s students will be tomorrow’s inventers and engineers and they proved their ambition and creativity through this challenge!

Tips For Developing Readers –by Alyse Attenson & Lauren Boruta

Doherty hosted a Parent University in March for all 2015-16 incoming Kindergarten parents. The topic was "Supporting Your Child As A Reader At Home". Reading consultants, Lauren Boruta and Jacqueline Mattson, presented the top 10 tips for supporting children at home as readers including the importance of reading every day, limiting screen time, and helping children understand the purpose of reading. Parents received information to help develop their children's comprehension for both fiction and nonfiction text and to help them develop as writers. Parents created a "question cube." On each side of the cube is a general comprehension question that can be applied to any fiction text to encourage deeper thinking about the story. After reading a book with their child, the child rolls the cube. The child and parent can discuss that question on the cube.

Scotch Elementary Students Reach Out to 5 Year Old Cancer Patient When Scotch Elementary 4th grade teacher Liz Costello read about 5 year old cancer patient Hailey Shores who wanted nothing more than birthday cards for her 6th birthday, she went to her class and Ms. Loren Fantich’s 5th grade class to help.Hailey, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, had gone through surgery, chemo, radiation and a stem cell transplant in the past two years, but is now in remission. Going through

medical treatments for such a length of time kept her isolated, but now she was looking forward to her birthday. Ms. Costello engaged her students and soon other classes got involved and happily created lots of pink cards (Hailey’s favorite

color) with pictures of “Tangled” characters (from her favorite movie) and mailed them in time for Hailey to get them on her birthday.



5

Focus on Our Schools 5th Graders Take Over WBHS for MARCH MADNESS! West Bloomfield held its own “March Madness“ basketball tournament at West Bloomfield High School. The Roosevelt Huskies, Scotch Scottie Terriers and Sheiko Sharks 5th grade boys and girls took part having fun while learning valuable lessons about teamwork, as all left as winners! Juliann O’Brien (Sheiko and Doherty Title 1 teacher) and Amanda Bailey (Sheiko 4th grade teacher) coached the teams at Sheiko.

Budding Musicians at Gretchko

Coaches Juliann O’Brien & Amanda Bailey

Calvin Finneran and Lucas George learn how to play string instruments. Keegan Phillips and Richard Vieriu watch as Luke Redner grips a bow and tests its movement across the strings.

Loren Fantich’s class with their pink cards for Hailey

Sheiko Pine Tree 2015Sheiko students finished a very successful Pine Tree Reading program. This district-wide program has been in existence for over 25 years and the benefits to our students are enormous. This year, students and teachers read a total of 5,558 books during the 3 months! Some of the exciting activities surrounding the reading program included:

Pine Tree Technology ProjectStudents read the graphic novel series called Babymouse illustrated by Matt Holm. They then used web 2.0 tool, “Make Belief Comix,” to create their own comic strip based on a theme from the book they read. The comic strips were printed and shared with Matt Holm when he came to speak to the students about being a graphic novel illustrator.

Author Reception at the West Bloomfield Public LibraryThe 45 top reading level students were invited to an author reception at the public library and received a book illustrated by Matt Holm. Students had their book signed by Matt and had their picture taken with him.

Celebrations and AssembliesCertificates of reading achievement, an assembly featuring Matt Holm and a movie day were enjoyed by all. Levels 1 through 4 received additional rewards including the chance to win a Nook for Level 4 students. We want to thank the West Bloomfield Township Public Library for their continued partnership in this wonderful program. The library provides our schools with the Pine Tree books, sponsors activities at the library to help students earn credit for the books they have read and brings in an author/illustrator each year to inspire our students.

Chuck Gaidica Reads to RooseveltFormer WDIV Meteorologist Chuck Gaidica read his book “Tommy Starts Something Big” to students at Roosevelt Elementary during March is Reading Month. Chuck Gaidica is now partnering with Grace Centers of Hope sharing the importance of a cuddle by selling his award winning books with proceeds

going to Grace Centers Hands of Hope Childcare Center. Hands of Hope is a state-licensed child care center that serves children whose parents are homeless and recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles with

Kindness is a heartwarming children’s story about a young boy named Tommy who faced his own challenge in life by deciding to inspire others in their times of need. The book reminds children and adults about the positive change that can happen when people help people. Chuck Gaidica with Roosevelt Students who received a copy of his book.

African Library Project Inspires Abbott StudentAbbott students have been collecting books for the African Library Project, a non-profit organization that coordinates book drives in the United States and partners with African schools and villages to start small libraries. At first, Abbott’s efforts supported the book drive of former student, Jeremy Goldman, a 2010 graduate of West Bloomfield High School who also attended Abbott MS and Scotch Elementary. Jeremy graduated from Western Michigan University in 2014, joined the Peace Corps and now teaches at the KwaNyezi Primary School in Nquthu, South Africa.

After hearing Jeremy’s story, Abbott student, Mackenzie Carter, asked if she could do a book drive. Mackenzie collected over 1000 books (beyond her goal of 500!) and raised money for shipping the books to Africa. Says her teacher Kristi Hopper “this is an amazing project. Mackenzie has taken this initiative completely on her own and put a lot of work into it. I'm so proud of her!”

OLMS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

To celebrate Black History Month, OLMS held its first annual “Black History Bee”. Nineteen students entered the contest and all received a certificate of participation for their efforts. Joseph Thomas was the 1st place winner; 2nd place went to Nia Reeves and Joshua Williamson placed 3rd. These winners received a trophy and other awards for their achievement. Congratulations to all of the student participants!

Abbott Student Honored For “My Personal Michigan Hero” EssaysThousands of eighth grade students from over 400 Michigan schools participated in the 2014-2015 America & Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. The essay topic was “My Personal Michigan Hero.” Abbott Middle School students, Sydney Pflaum and Hirializ Ocasio were named local winners. Both received award certificates for their achievement and Sydney’s name was engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school.

Sydney’s essay was then selected as one of the top ten essays in Michigan. “It was awesome that everyone in Michigan knows how much my morn supported me, and continues to support me, as well as everyone else in my family, they are always with me, cheering me on with whatever activities I do; whether it is riding my horse, student council, or extracurricular activities like volunteering” said Sydney.

The top ten winners received plaques, a medallion and a cash award of $1,000 at a banquet in Lansing. They also met with Michigan’s top governmental leaders and were the featured guests at a Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game dedicated in their honor.

Mrs. Fatme Houry, English Language teacher and organizer of the contest at Abbott, said “this contest provides students an opportunity to pay tribute to someone who has touched their lives. We all have heroes in our lives and too often we do not take the opportunity to show our appreciation and to say thank you. For young people like Sydney and Hirializ, this gives them the chance to explore their sense of expression and to write from the heart. Both their essays create a heartfelt and beautiful picture of the very heroes that have touched their lives.” Winning essays online at: www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com under the Corporate and Social Responsibility section.

Abbott Guest Artist Daniel Friedberg (Freebo) by John Deierlein

Abbott theatre students recently were entertained by a true legend, artist Freebo (Daniel Friedberg) noted bass and tuba player, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer known primarily for his work with Bonnie Raitt. He is also a respected session musician who has recorded and performed with Ringo Starr, John Mayall, John Hall, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Willy DeVille, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Maria Muldaur, Kate & Anna McGarrigle and many others.John Deierlein frequently brings in guest artists at Abbott to enrich the students’ theatre education and experience.

OLMS Student to play Carnegie Hall!

Congratulations to Ayushi Uppal, OLMS student who has been chosen as an Honorable Mention Winner of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2015.

Ayushi received this honor for her piano playing and will have the opportunity to perform at the Winners Recital on November 29th (Thanksgiving Weekend) at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.Congratulations to Ayushi on her selection from a large field of competitive applicants!Ayushi also is a choir student under the direction of April Tini.

Sydney Pflaum and her mother with Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, JoAnne Scheloske and Fay Houry in Lansing.

Enrich your life!Host a student from China and embark upon a memorable cultural experience!




Focus on Our Schools

Mackenzie carrying some of the books she collected

Open your homes and your hearts to an international exchange student - a rewarding opportunity for the entire family to learn about another culture and make new lifelong friends!

Contact Barb Glessner, Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction at 248-865-6479 or email at [email protected] to apply or for more information

The Mandarin Program: • Exchange students are high school age, wishing to improve their English skills• Families receive a stipend of $125 per week to help offset the cost of hosting a student • Families receive 24/7 local and international support



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Focus on Our Schools Walden in West Bloomfield West Bloomfield High School English teacher, Jennifer McQuillan, is delighted to report that she and her students are planning to break ground on the "Walden in West Bloomfield" garden by the end of May. Mrs. McQuillan and science teacher Josh Barclay have been working hard to make this garden a reality. Soil testing is completed, mulch is on order (thanks to Coach Aaron Avery and the WBHS Lacrosse Team!) and the plot has been measured and configured. Science teacher Karen Matynowski and her AP Environmental Science students are reviewing the soil testing and making recommendations for the soil mix needed to best help the plants thrive.

This cross curricular project also has links to the Art Department since teacher Mimi Hoffman and her students will be contributing tiles and other pieces to enhance the garden's aesthetic appeal. Most notably, museums for the American literary giants Louisa May Alcott, Walt Whitman, and Mark Twain have offered to supply the garden with plants that have ties to each author.

Special thanks goes to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation for providing the "seed" money for this project. If you would like to contribute in any way to the garden, please contact Jennifer McQuillan at WBHS. Members of Earth Club:Front row: Morgan Gordon, Ms. McQuillan, Frank Vawter, Jenna KeshBack row: Roma Valeev, Seth Goldgrab

Wind Generator Provides Learning Opportunities by Josh Barclay

The West Bloomfield High School EARTH Club was created in 1993 with the mission of promoting environmental awareness, and preserving the planet. EARTH stands for Environmentally Aware, Ready to Help. During its existence, it has involved and empowered hundreds of students in environmental action. Just in time for Earth Day, the EARTH Club installed an experimental wind generator on the roof of the concession building by the football field. One of the first to be made, we will be beta testing the wind generator to determine the levels of power and energy produced. Club members also will track wind speed through our weather station in order to compare with the wind generation. Student Brendan Gimby is designing all the monitoring hardware and software so we can keep track of how much energy is generated by the system.

Special thanks to David Koyle of Franklin Wind Energy Group for the donation of the wind generator, and Scott Ringlein of Energy Alliance Group of Michigan and Tiny Runge of Dynalectric for help with the installation.

Cape Town CalculusEducating Others Goes Far Beyond the Classroom Setting for AP Calculus Teacher, Dr. Joseph BrandellIn March, Dr. Joseph Brandell of West Bloomfield High School (WBHS) presented at the 2015 AISA Educator’s Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa. As a representative of the nonprofit College Board organization, Brandell not only shared his knowledge of the AP calculus curriculum but also his own teaching strategies at WBHS.

Brandell has been working for the College Board as an AP consultant since 2000. He is trained as a presenter for AP Calculus and as a presenter for both AP vertical teams and Pre-AP vertical teams - the classes students are required to take before they take AP Calculus or AP Statistics. In addition to teaching AP calculus at WBHS, Brandell is one of the three teacher mentoring coordinators for the district and serves as the math department chairman. According to Brandell, “What the College Board does around the country is what we do at West Bloomfield High School. I can see it in our school.” His presentation on the first day was on Pre-AP strategies, and the experiences of the students at WBHS. “Advanced Placement is not just about the tests the first week of May. Advanced Placement is about the process of rich problem solving, making connections.” On the second day, Brandell presented from an instructor’s viewpoint on AP Calculus, talking through different key teaching points and how to prepare students not only for the exams, but problem-solving skills as well. Finally, Brandell presented on how he organizes both AP calculus and Pre-AP strategies so that students are well prepared to succeed in their future AP mathematics courses.

THE AISA Educator’s Conference experience was a truly enriching one that will not only benefit Brandell’s students, but also students around the world.

WBHS GRADUATE DEBUTS NEW NOVELby Steve Palizzi

Josh Malerman is a 1993 graduate of WBHS and the author of Bird Box--an eerie, suspenseful novel written in Hitchcock-style. His debut novel received star reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. Universal Pictures has purchased the movie rights. Josh also plays in the successful band, The High Strung (all members are graduates of WBHS). One of the group’s songs is the theme for the TV series Shameless. Recently, Josh spoke about his experience at WBHS, his novel, and answered

questions at a “Meet The Author” event held in the WBHS iCenter. He signed books and took time to speak individually with each person in attendance.

Josh credits WBHS English teacher, Jim Corcoran, as one of his most influential teachers. Read more about Josh, his novel, and The High Strung band at: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/08/14/detroit-proud-josh-malerman/

Student Brendan Gimby who designed the monitoring hardware and software for the project with teacher Josh Barclay

OEC students were awe-struck at the size of Diego Rivera’s murals and the depth of meaning he included in his work.

Student artwork by Abigail Williams

OEC Students Study Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo at DIA

This spring, OEC students in Jill Rosenthal-Vinter's Spanish classes studied Mexican art, history, culture, language, politics, and the colorful lives of artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in anticipation of their spring field trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts special exhibition, “Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit.”

Student Lauren Smith reflected, "I really like being able to understand what was going on in her mind and how she turned her thoughts into art." Shira Cohen observed, "Walking through the exhibit, I was really able to feel the culture and pain that Diego and Frida had." Reganne Diener said, "My favorite part of the DIA was seeing the mural that Diego Rivera painted. I enjoyed learning about all of the hidden images in the courtyard mural."

Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s self portraits, students created their own self portraitsand presented to classmates, revealing parts of their joys, fears, lives and secrets.

Oakland Early College (OEC)Welcoming students entering grades 10-12 in 2015!Schools of Choice Application Period: July 1 - July 30, 2015 Free College Tuition!Earn an Associate Degree in High SchoolOEC located on OCC Orchard Ridge CampusPlease call (248) 522-3541 to schedule a family meeting.New Student Application: www.oaklandearlycollege.org

Angie Sallen, Haley Fulton, Stephanie Peach & Jill Rosenthal show their love for Frida Kahlo.




FOCUS ON FINE ARTS

Karl Stein and Chad Mielens

“Music in the Park”CONGRATULATIONS!

Abbott Middle School and Orchard Lake Middle School 8th Grade Symphony Band Students take First Place and Overall Highest Score on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at "Music in the Park"in Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio.

The Beat Goes On!WBHS Band Programs Succeeding!

By Suzanne Crawford

It’s been quite a year for the West Bloomfield High School (WBHS) Band program! To start, the 2015 WBHS Winter Drumline wrapped up their season placing 3rd in the State in the MCGC Scholastic A with a score of 85.99 and 26th place in WGI Semi Finals Percussion World Championship Competition in Dayton, Ohio, with a score of 83.6

The 2015 Drumline show theme called, “Assembled” was based on the auto manufacturing industry in Detroit. The uniforms were inspired by 1920 assembly line workers and the music incorporated factory sounds and industrial revolution era textures. Pat McLaughlin, Director, said, "I was extremely happy with the overall season performances and so proud of the group! Congratulations WB! You had some uncontrollable situations thrown your way at the WGI World Championship, but you handled them with resilience and character. You should all be very proud of everything you have achieved.” McLaughlin commented to the staff “Your passion for WB is evident as you all go above and beyond your contractual obligations on a regular basis. It's a remarkable experience to work side-by-side with a group of people who are so heavily invested in the development and success of the members as well as the organization itself. Thank you for all that you do both inside and outside of rehearsal.”

The WBHS Winter Drumline provides an opportunity for students to develop their musical and life skills through the art of percussion performance. A strong sense of perseverance, dedication, personal achievement, growth, self-confidence, music appreciation and work ethic through the pursuit of excellence is instilled.

The 2015 Varsity Winter Guard placed 9th in State in the MCGC Scholastic A MCGC Championship with a score 74.28.

MCGC Championship Show Theme: All Will Be WellDirectors: Mark DeDeckere, Betsy Pilon, Katie Bakula, Carlie Critchett, Megan VanDusen

The 2015 Junior Varsity Winter Guard wrapped up their season 2nd place in the State in the MCGC Championship Scholastic A with a score of 72.55.Show Theme: Hot Air BalloonDirectors: Mark DeDeckere, Betsy Pilon, Katie Bakula, Carlie Critchett

MSBOA Concert Band District Festival Results were:Abbott Symphony Band received a rating of 2.OLMS Symphony Band received a rating of 1.WBHS Concert Winds received a rating of 1.WBHS Symphonic Winds received a rating of 1.

WBHS Marching Band registration is now open to all students currently in grades 7 - 11. Students interested in registering, should send an email to [email protected] or go to wbbands.info for the registration form. "We are excited to kick off another successful fall season. We are looking forward to continuing the progress our program has made and to build off the momentum from last year," said Chad Mielens, WBHS Marching Band Director. The band is excited to go to Camp Tamarack in August, and also excited about competing at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis in November.Director: Chad MielensPercussion Director: Chris VilagCaption Head, Color Guard: Mark DeDeckereDrum Majors: Hershal Satam & Aidan Brice

2015 WBHS Winter Drumline - 3rd in State

The OLMS String SceneThe Orchard Lake Middle School Orchestra students have been very busy the past few months. The Symphonic String Orchestra competed at the MSBOA District Orchestra Festival in March. The students, under the direction of Mrs. Linda Trotter, received a Superior (First Division rating) in both Performance and Sight Reading. The OLMS Orchestra students were also adjudicated at the MSBOA Middle School Solo and Ensemble. Students earning a 1st Division Rating (Superior Rating)String Soloists:Anna Bai,Zachary Grandetti,Jasmin Lee,Janelle McManaman, Nia Reeves, andAndrew Schaeffler, violinJoshua Tran, celloString Duos:Janelle McManaman and Joshua TranDhiya Krupashankar and Vidhi PandyaString Trio:Vidhi Pandya, Dhiya Krupashankar and Janell McManaman, Trio String Ensemble: Anna Bai, Jasmin Lee, Nia Reeves, Andy Pan, Bhargavi Kurakula, Cameron Montgomery and Joshua TranStudents earning a 2nd Division Rating were:String Duo: Parker Semanson, violin and Sydney White, violaOther Participants included cellists: Matthew Hartung and Nyal MunirCongratulations to the OLMS Orchestra students.

WBHS Orchestra SceneThe WBHS Orchestra program had one of its most successful festival seasons this year at both District and State Levels. The Orchestra, conducted by Mrs. Linda Trotter, competed in the MSBOA District Orchestra festival. The results were very impressive; the WBHS Symphonic String Orchestra earned a Superior Rating (First Division) with all “A’s” in performance and a superior rating in sight reading with an overall Superior Rating. The Concert String Orchestra earned an Excellent Rating (Second Division) in performance and a Superior Rating (First Division) rating in sight reading with an overall Excellent Rating.

The State Solo and Ensemble Festival was an opportunity for our students to showcase their musical performance as both a soloist or in an ensemble. Student soloists in the 10th – 12th grade who participated were required to demonstrate their proficiency on their instrument as part of their adjudication, which included: performing their solos, performing major and minor scales and sight reading. Each proficiency level included more difficult aspects of string performance. Students receiving 1st Division ratings were:Anthony Chen, violin – Proficiency 3Sahana Shankar, violin – Proficiency 1Mark Gladshteyn, violin – Proficiency 3Sabrina Brogniart, violin – Proficiency 3Nicholas Omron, violin – Proficiency 1Parker Feldman, violin – Proficiency 2Robert Sylvester, violin – (9th grade solo)Matthew Gu, violin – (9th grade solo)String Octet Violinists: Anthony Chen, David Wilson, Parker Feldman, Sabrina Brognairt, Violists: Erica Slayton, MiKayla Tyner, Cellists: Raina Pintamo, Matthew Rowley Students receiving 2nd Division ratings were: Russell Estill, cello – Proficiency 1Victoria Gardner, violin – Proficiency 1Erica Slayton, viola – Proficiency 3Allayah McCormick, viola – Proficiency 2Congratulations to the WBHS Orchestra students for their outstanding work and performances.

2015 Junior Varsity Winter Guard - 2nd in state

2015 Varsity Winter Guard - 9th in state

Rishabh Parekh Science Fair Winner WBHS teacher is proud to announce that 9th grader Rishabh Parekh qualified for the Michigan State Fair winning three professional awards: a $200 prize from Intel, Most Valuable Project from Michigan Science Center, free membership for a year to the Science Center and an award from the Public Health Department.

Following the State Fair, Rishabh participated in the 58th Annual Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit 2014-2015 at Cobo Hall where he came in third place in the Computer Science category and won two special awards. 1,242 students from 104 schools in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties competed at SEFMD, one of the longest running and largest science fairs in the world. Congratulations!

HUNDREDS GATHER FOR BELL TOWER DEDICATION AT ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY

Hundreds of community members, alumni, students, parents and staff gathered in May for the dedication of the resurrected school bell honoring 95 years of education in Keego Harbor. The bell tower dedication was held Friday, May 8th.The tower, designed and crafted by WBHS alumnus, Robert Laskey, holds a 30" bell thought to be from the original Keego Harbor School, based on old photos. This school was built on land donated by Joseph E. Sawyer and stood at the corner of Pridham and Orchard Lake Road from 1914-1963. It was torn down and replaced by a gas station and the land became home to several business over the following years. The Keego Harbor School predated Roosevelt and provided overflow classrooms for the district, held community meetings and served as the local library for a while. The Keego School has a lasting legacy in the history of education at Roosevelt. Below, Superintendent Dr. Gerald Hill and students ring the bell for the first time. Left Rob Laskey and Mike Floyd stand proudly beside their work. (Not shown, Kyle Kozemchak)



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AROUND THE DISTRICT

Scotch Kids KlubScotch Kids Klub studied Dental Health during National Dental Health month. 4th grader Anna McIsaac, and fifth grader Caenell Poindexter brushing and flossing their pearly whites!In March the Lion roars away the cold weather. Amaris Shockley (grade 3), Addyson Walker (grade 2) and Hayley Beyrand (grade 5) show off their grizzly lion masks.

History Bee National FinalsOLMS students Sydney Brogniart (7th grade) and Raksha Sridharan (6th grade) advanced to the History Bee National Finals held in Louisville, Kentucky on May 22-24.Sydney is pictured with his invitation to the National Finals after they competed at the Regional Finals in Monroe, Michigan on April 1. Raksha shown at the National History Bee.Jennifer Sepetys, OLMS teacher wished them both well in the competition.

Sydney BrogniartRaksha Sridharan

West Bloomfield Public Schools

2015 Summer Food Service ProgramHey Kids and Teens!

(Ages 1-18 years)Join us for Nutritious Summer Meals

at NO CHARGE! Site Location: Roosevelt Elementary School 2065 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor, MI 48320 June 22, 2015 thru July 31, 2015 Breakfast Program: Monday - Thursday 7:45am - 8:45am Lunch Program: Monday - Thursday 11:00am - 12:30pm * In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer




Kudos

WBSD Michigan Week 2015 Award RecipientsWBHS senior, Alexandra McDonough received a Youth Volunteer Leadership Award at the 2015 Michigan Week Awards Breakfast while WBHS senior, Jonathan Nirenberg, and WB Board of Education Vice-President, Randi Sakwa, were honored with Hidden Treasure Awards. The nominating organizations submitted the following about their volunteerism:

Alexandra McDonough volunteers as the assistant volleyball coach at Abbott Middle School, helps with special needs adults at the Jewish Community Center, is a tutor for a sixth-grade student recovering from a closed-head injury and has organized various canned food drives. She is passionate about helping others whenever and wherever she can be of assistance.

Jonathan Nirenberg served as an exceptional United We Walk student Co-Chair during his senior year at West Bloomfield High School. Although he had numerous school and leadership commitments, the United We Walk committee could always count on him to be a thorough and constructive spokesperson when reports were given during general meetings.

Randi Sakwa is a West Bloomfield Board of Education member who regularly attends numerous student, staff, PTO and community events and represents the school district at local and state meetings.

2015 Career and Technical Education Student Recognition AwardsWBHS senior, Jacob Rashty, recently received an Outstanding Technical Achievement award for his Career and Technical Education program in Marketing from Oakland Schools Career Focused Education.

Nineteenth Annual Youth Recognition Awards CeremonyIn 2015, West Bloomfield Youth Assistance honored 77 area youth for their efforts to make our community a better place to live or for improving themselves through personal achievement. The awards ceremony is held each spring to recognize young people from the community who are making positive volunteer contributions. Nominations come from teachers, school counselors, hospitals, religious organizations, community organizations and private citizens.

Eric PaceKatie PalazzoloMayra PaliseMavis PannellNed PatronMike PattonJennifer PeesherSherry PeoplesLisa PerryJohn & Julie PerrymanJudy PetersonCraig PetersonNichole PikurAnn PiperNancy PlastererKren PleasantLauren PiontkowskiIvy PomeroyPhyllis PowersApril PrattJennifer PrawKelly PrusakiewiczYves PszenicaJeanne PylesMartin RabinovichKim RandallDennis RapalSusan RassetteHolly RatinaudArivumani RavindranReid FamilyStaphanie ReisChris RemishofskyLaura Richens

Jason MayerMarlo McAdamsMS. McCallionChristie McWilliamsBob MellenDaniel MeserveChris MienaltowskiKristina MienaltowskiColleen MillerCathy MintzMohammad Moetakef Roxana MolinaKendra MontanteSue MorseAntoinette MortonStasi MortimoreTammy MuczynskiBill MullCathy MullJudy MulroyDeborah MyersNeha NagappaChibu NdukweAnna NewmanJennifer NewmanJody NicosiaGinamarie NuhnVictor Nuno CisnerosLauren O’BrienAyobola OdeyinkaAngel OlmosLindsay O’MalleySiddiqui OmarDawn Orta

Melissa RingstaffJulie RobinsonGreg & Julie RootLinda & Aaron RosbergHoward RosenbergAlan RosenbergShelly Rouse-FreitagLisa & James RowleyPat RubioMindy RubioSandra RuzaJeff SakwaRandi & Stewart SakwaMarc SapersteinUttiyo & Anuradha SarkarSarah SavekLinda & Daniel SchaefflerDonna SchaererRhonda SchmidtSchneyer FamilyTim SchultzAmy SchultzMelissa SchultzAnn SchumacherCarla SchwartzTraci SchweptDave ScottJames ScrivoLea SeabornEllen SeissOlga SelektorShpresa SelimasRichard SelimasRobert Shady

Faris SharbaRita SharrowEvan ShawNora SheenaRamiz SheenaKathy & Paul SheikoKyle SheikoKristin SheikoPete SheltersAmit ShlagmanBree & Marc SilskiDaniel SimerlEllen SimmonsLori SimonianMolly SinanisRaman SinghJohn SiniJustin SklarBella SkynarMaddie SkynarJenny SmallChristine SmithMatt SmithKathy SmithMichell SmithRichard SomersNancy SomersLisa SoverinskyJoey SpanoP SparlindayBob SpencerSteve SperlingLisa SoverinskyNancy Stanek

Bob SteehMr. & Mrs. StephanMarla SternLouis StoneMichael StoneLouise StrehlKristen SucherLisa SwikoskiSusan SzaszEmily TabenskeGrace TapertArya & Simin TavakoliJianna TaylorLaKeisha TaylorClaudia Tellez ChavezEileen Ten EickPaul & Robin TennisonJeanne TepperKeith TerhallGennifer ThavShaina ThurmonApril TiniAsha TirumalaTanya TorresJason TownsendCurtis TreadwellMaryEllen TrottSally UnrathTanya VaichaidPam ValdezAmy VanecarKatrina & Nick VanMeterHector VelazquezMelissa Velazquez

Jennifer ValenteAng VandenAvondLuis VenegasChristos VlachosMatt VorceDave VukovichPearl WalkerJames WalshSara WardPat WatsonSusan WeaverMichael WeingartenSara WeitzStacey WelfordLori WiglerKristan WilliamsRose WilsonStacy WilsonRene WiselyTannisha WoodsDavid WoosonRichard WszolekJoanna WszolekEthan YangPattabhi YarlagaddaMaureen YessianDavid YonoAdriy ZachaikoVicky ZacharekPamela ZajacWalt ZajacHana ZawidehGreg ZerberEllizabeth ZubrzyckiMichael Zimnicki

The West Bloomfield Education Foundation wishes to acknowledge all individuals, families and business contributors. Your support is critical and has enabled us to fund programs that maintain the academic excellence of our school district. We are particularly grateful to those businesses and community partners who continue to support our efforts.

(continued from page 12)

Justin Frommer, Gurveer Singh, Joey Murzyn, Emerson Lawrey, Sean Wigler and Coach Steve Larkin at the MHSAA Regional Tournament

BOYS GOLF by Steve Larkin

The 2015 WBHS Boys Golf team has earned both a league championship as well as berth in the MHSAA Regional Championship Tournament. The Boys League Championship was the first in several years as the Varsity team placed first in both league tournaments and went undefeated in match play. “This is the most complete, competitive group I've ever coached. We set out at the beginning of the season with two goals, to win our league championship and to qualify out of a very difficult MHSAA district, and the boys completed both goals. We beat out North Farmington, Southfield, Harrison, Livonia Stevenson, Birmingham Groves and Royal Oak at Districts to earn a spot in Regionals,” stated Coach Larkin. Our success can be attributed to all 18 players in our program who made each day competitive. The Varsity team of Sean Wigler, Emerson Lawrey, Noah Maike, Joey Murzyn, Justin Frommer, Gurveer Singh and others who chipped in helped WBHS achieve great team success both on the course and in the classroom where the team boasts a collective 3.65 grade point average. The Varsity 5 of Wigler, Murzyn, Singh, Lawrey, and Frommer will compete May 27th at the MHSAA Regional Tournament at Oak Pointe Country Club in hopes to be among the top 3 teams to move on to the state championships held at Ferris State University June 5. The Lakers are coached by Stephen Larkin, Jeremy Denha and former player Steven Neville.

Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Fay Houry, 8th grade ELA teacher from Abbott, is the middle school rep and Lisa Brown, from Scotch, is the elementary school rep for WBSD for Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Both were honored by Oakland Schools in May at an awards dinner.



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Kudos!

EARTH DAY Transition CenterThe students from the West Bloomfield Transition Center had a great time on Earth Day, when they partnered with West Bloomfield Township and cleaned up the Jacob’s Drain wetland area. The area is located behind the Transition Center building. WBT provided gloves, garbage bags and t-shirts for students and staff.

O.P.I.E. Award Outstanding Person in EducationThis year's Outstanding Person in Education (O.P.I.E.) & Friend of Education (F.O.E.) Dinner was held at the Wixom Community Center in Wixom, on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.

The O.P.I.E. award recognizes one person from each MEA local association who has shown exceptional commitment and dedication to education in their district.

The F.O.E. award recognizes local individuals or organizations who have promoted excellence in education in the public schools of Clarkston, Holly, Huron Valley, Oakland ISD, Pontiac, South Lyon, West Bloomfield and Walled Lake.

Congratulations to the Outstanding Person in Education and Friend of Education from West Bloomfield School District!

Kim Abel Teacher WBHS Lori Zerber Media Paraeducator Abbott Middle School Diane Stumpf Asst. Principal’s Secretary/Registrar West Bloomfeild High School

http://thearcoakland.org/DOVE AWARDKay Carpenter, Project SEARCH instructor at Henry Ford West Bloomfield, has been recognized by The ARC of Oakland County with a Dove Award for Professional Service.

The Arc of Oakland County is a non-profit, charitable organization serving individuals and families throughout Oakland County funded in part by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and individual donors. Through education, research, and advocacy, The Arc works to improve the quality of life for children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in every community. At its annual awards presentation, Arc recognizes the efforts of individuals within our community and state who, through their dedication and commitment, have enhanced the lives of persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The 45th Dove Awards Presentation & Silent Auction was held on Friday, April 17, 2015 at the San Marino Club. This agency fundraiser is a celebration of the selflessness and achievements of individuals who help others.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARDKay Carpenter Special Education Teacher & Project SEARCH Instructor,


You’re Hired!Project SEARCH is wrapping up another successful year of finding jobs for special needs adults. This year Project SEARCH started with 10 students, known as interns, and so far has successfully placed 6 interns in jobs within their communities. Interns have taken jobs at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, which is where the Project SEARCH classroom is located, as well as Kroger in Novi, The Cheesecake Factory in Novi, West Bloomfield’s new ACE Hardware, and the Palace of Auburn Hills. The remaining 4 interns will continue to work with the New Horizon’s Rehabilitation Services job developer and the Michigan Rehabilitation Services career counselor until they find employment.

Project SEARCH is a one year school-to-work program for special needs adults, ages 18-26, who have an IEP and have not taken a diploma. The program takes place entirely at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital where the interns spend part of their day in the classroom learning employment and daily living skills. The remainder of their day is spent in 2-3 work rotations within the hospital learning competitive employment skills. The goal of Project SEARCH is to find a paid job. Students interested in applying or who have questions, please contact Jennifer Perrone. Space is limited, so those interested should apply now. For more information, contact Jennifer Perrone at [email protected] or 248-865-6470.




Ian HwaKelly IsaacDana IshbiaAlicia JacksonTamara JacksonLaurie JacobsLee JaffkeMahnaz JaffryMartha JaimeDan JakubiakSonja JamesJeffery JaveriaKristina JenkinsDemetrius JenkinsLisa JenningsTim JohnsonJane JohnsonJennifer JolliffeSheay JonesEd JonesSuzan JonesErica JordanRabeh KajyHarrison KakosSameesa KapiLisa KaplanWendy KatoBaida KashatKerry KatsefNicholas KayVictoria KeanJoanna KeilMark Kellenberg Kathy KendallTaylor KiblerLaTanya KingSheila KingCarolann KinnerHerbert & Debra Kiperman Brent KishKaty KnightonLarry KockerDeanna KohlWendy KohlenbergPaula KonfaraPamela KornfeldM. KroliekiDeborah KshiminskiyFran KuelskeAnna Kulas RosenthalLaurie KuperMurali Kurakula

Harry KuribayashiKevin KuzmaLaShonta KylesRochelle KylesHeather LadouceurAlan & Barbara LaDukeJonathan LambPete LameratoJennifer LargentKristi LawJeff LeibKelly LekasMaureen LevickAlmeade LewisChristine LewisMary LinkErin LivedotiAbby LongScott LongYaju LoomisJuan Luis LopezKimberly LordCristina LorenzettiSimoes LoriRobin LoudermilkLaura LoughridgeJennier LoveSheila LoveRick LukenCheryle LutwinJill LutzMartie LynchMary Grace MacalinoCheryl MacdonaldMiriam MacLeanPatti McCormickCathy McCotterSydney McCotterHenry McCurryNancy McImisKarla McIsaacMary McLaughlinAmanda MagillHenry MaickiKristen MaikeNancy MaiselAashish MangrulkarImad ManjoMasi MansooriLauren MarshAnthony MathewTeresa Maurer(continued on page10)

West Bloomfield Educational Foundation Your Support, Our Students’ Success!

By Joey SpanoThe West Bloomfield Education Foundation wishes to acknowledge all individuals, families and business contributors. Your support is critical and has enabled us to fund programs that maintain the academic excellence of our school district. We are particularly grateful to those businesses and community partners who continue to support our efforts.

This year, it was decided early on that we would plan and put all of our efforts into one major fundraising event. “Fabulous Casino Night” was born. On Friday the 13th at Edgewood Country Club, over 360 parents, school district staff and supporters gathered to play Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Bingo (with play money), bid on an array of silent auction items, putt for a chance to win $10,000 and socialize, all for a great cause. Not only did we raise thousands of dollars for

our schools, it turned into a very enjoyable community event. Mark your calendars now for the next Fabulous Casino Night scheduled for Friday, February 5, 2016!

Rounding out the year was the WBEF’s $10 for 10K Raffle. The winning ticket was drawn at the May 18 board of education meeting. The lucky winner was Mani Ravindran, the parent of an elementary and a middle school student.

Obviously, these events allow us to support our school district in various ways. In its 11th year, the WBEF Educators Grant Program awarded 21 grants totaling over $13,000 to 36 district teachers in 2014-15. The grants funded a variety of innovative projects and initiatives designed to directly impact student achievement at all grade levels. The grants funded an array of innovative projects and initiatives including STEM initiatives and reading support programs.

Additionally, the WBEF provided support this year to the theater programs at Abbott, OLMS and WBHS; funded the Science Fair and an anti-bullying program at Abbott; sponsored the Health, Body and Mind program for Scotch fifth grade students and contributed to the WBHS First Robotics team.

Grant funds were provided to Scotch Elementary for their Healthy Body and Mind program for 5th graders. The program is designed to help reduce child obesity and improve children’s overall health and nutrition, conducted in partnership with Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. Over $179,000 has been awarded in the Educators Grant Program since its inception.

The foundation continued its commitment to the WBHS First Robotics team with a contribution of $2,500. First Robotics Competition provides hands-on training in science, engineering and technology as they compete throughout Michigan. WBHS teacher, Mr. Buddy Muylaert, guided the team to the semi-finals in the first district competition and to the quarter finals in the second.

Since its inception, over $1 million has been generated by this all-volunteer board. The WBEF relies on your support. Your donations contribute directly to our foundation’s success and ultimately to the success of our students. On behalf of the nearly 6,000 students of the West Bloomfield School District, we thank you.

Corporate & Community Sponsors Abbott Middle SchoolAdventure ParkAnn Arbor Children's Hands-On MuseumAUCHBeans & CornbreadBellacino's GrindersBest BuyBirmingham Bloomfield Credit UnionBirmingham-Bloomfield Symphony OrchestraBNI Connectors of CommerceBonaventure Family Skating CenterBosko'sBugs Beddow BandC & G NewspapersCarl Rose/Carl's GolflandClark HillColor RoomCommunity Bowling CenterCookies by DesignDakota Bread CompanyDetroit PistonsDigital Document StoreDoherty Elementary School PTODoubletree HotelDry-Mark ServicesDurham School ServicesEdgewood Country ClubEllen's Bakery CaféEl Nibble NookExecutive EnergyFrameable FacesFriends of WBEFGCAGo Comedy ClubGWB Historical SocietyGretchko PTOHersh-Beattie OrthodonticsImperial BarJet's PizzaJewelry BoutiqueJodi Lynn DesignsKaragosian JewelersLapointe & ButlerThe LodgeLoya Organic RestaurantLusk & AlbertsonMarathon Oil CompanyMasserman PhotographyThe Melting PotMezza

Jim BullJessica BullockMark BundaElizabeth BurlakSally CalkinsKurt CampbellCheryl CaplanColleen CarpenterCindy CarsonCynthia CartwrightSusan ChangLinda Charter Alycia ChaseMatt ChaseJaime CherfoliJustin CherfoliKathleen ChesterMelanie ChismodyBrett ChudleNeisha ChudlerPatricia ChungMark CiechanowskiAmra CisicKathy ClarkCraig CliffordVeronica CollinsAnnette ComaroliJaney ComptonBradley CooperMichael CooperBrenda CoppensReisa CorbinMadeline CostaJack CostaElizabeth CostelloRob CoukeyLaura CowellRobert CrainSteven & Katrina CraneHeather CrewesAdrienne CrocketRay CruzLeigh Ann CusackHannah DaggFatema DahodwalaMufaddel DahodwalaKimberly DanielsKelli DantonMarianne DardarianEsther DavidsonSteven DavidsonMichael Davis

Michigan PhilharmonicMojo in the Morning 95.5Nakisher OrthodonticsOrchard Lake Middle SchoolPlante MoranPublic HouseRoosevelt Elementary SchoolThe Root RestaurantRicoh Business SolutionsSamsungSBSISEHI ComputerService Heating & PlumbingSheiko Elementary School PTOSmashburgerStarbucksStifel NicolausSuper Car WashTroxell Communications, IncTriflesVarsity LincolnVIP Fitness & TrainingWakely AssociatesWhole Foods, West BloomfieldWillowayWest Bloomfield Community Education West Bloomfield High SchoolWest Bloomfield Police FoundationWest Bloomfield Preschool AcademyZap ZoneZilka Heating and Cooling

Individual ContributorsKim Abel Julie AbeskaAllen AdelbergDeborah AdenijiNeil AdrianMaria AerdkerDahlia AfrVictoria AharaukaKristin AlbaniMaria AlegreZina AliM AlonsoJennifer AndersonDeanna ArnottAaron AveryMary Ann AyarJulie BaetenCara Bagosian

Raffi BagosianBahorra FamilyDarlene BahriAl BahriElizabeth BainKeith BaldwinKathy BakMaribeth BakerDenise BannashKristina BarnettBen BarrisNatasza BartusAustin BashiTanja BauerJulie BeatyDeb BeaulieuDoug BeddowChiara BeozzoLisa BerkeyJenny BermanBill BertakisAmy BertinAmy BessalloVarmi Bhart-RamSheryl BienstockJanet BigelowDeanne BigleyLynn BloomSara Blum-StapletonPalcaui Blutta-RamvariVincent & Michelle BoddyJouiana BolisJenny BordeloveMorrison BordersHilary BorlackLeanne BourassaLisa BowerJaiden BowieDr. Neil BrickmanStacy BrickmanRomelia BringardnerShawn Broida-McCollSharon BrockJack BrophyWilliam BrophyAisha BrownleeSawdayah BrownleeDianna BruceRita BuddeJulie BudinTed BugensiwCarrie Bulbuk

Fran & Dan DenawetzKelli DenawetzJen DenkoNancy & John DentZina Ali DeSnyderDena DionScott DionAndrew DonaldsonSimoes DouglasKaren D’OwyerKristin DraperJen DuffieldAdi DzinicJulie DziubaLisa EarleyMark EatonSusan EberleArthur EbertChristine EbertDavid EinstandigKari ElliottCristina ElsenS EnglehartKim EssenmacherCarol EvansSofia EzmerlianCristina ElsenTracy & Peter FalkowskiAnn FarrellStephanie FaulkenderConnie FellmanJill FillCarol FinkelsteinJudy FlahertyDavid FlaisherRenee FloerAlesia FlyeSuzanne & Aaron FogarasiLeslie ForemanChristy ForhanAdrienne & Terri FosterBrandon FosterKenneth FowlerAaron FoxIlyse FoxHal FreitagDebbie FrommerJeff FrickBob GaarderDenise GaarderKellie GabalskiJill Gardner

Keith GarrisonLetisha GauldenJulia GavrilenkoTom GawlikNanci GelseyMelissa GervasonMonique GiannettiBrendan GimbyBarb GlessnerAmanda GohlKevin GoldmanRita GoldmanStaci GoldmanAlison GoldsteinMax GoldsteinMelanie GormanSharon GormanMike GornyKay GornyDenise GraceLisa GraffFelicia GrantJen GreenEdward GreenanAmy GrossMarci GrossmanSandra GrossoKrista GryczanJane GundlachPaulina HakopianKen & Traci HamiltonAngela HannaBruce HarnishDeborah HaydenDale HalpinBecky HeitschMelanie HennanLaura HennickenAndy HernandezNelson HershJennifer HillDr. Gerald & Cynthia HillKatie HillMimi Hoffman Chris & George HoltBrian HomeszynTim HomeszynLaura HorvathLisa HouPeggy HouleAmy HughesHuynh Family

“We are very thrilled to win the Educational Foundation 50/50 raffle! We purchased two raffle tickets. We plan to put that money towards our son, Lokesh and our daughter Shruthi’s college savings and some percentage to give back to the community.” – Mani Ravindran

Day Camps Age/Grade Dates Times FeeSummer Sun & Fun Ages 3-K June 15 – August 28 9:00-3:00 p.m. $150 per week Camp Superstar! Grades 1-4 June 15 – August 28 9:00-3:00 p.m. $150 per weekGet REAL Camp Grades 5-8 June 15 – August 28 9:00-3:00 p.m. $150 per weekAcademic CampsImagination Station Grades 2-5 June 22 – June 26 9:00-3:00 p.m. $225Summer Math & Reading Grades 7-8 June 29 – July 23 8:00-12:15 p.m. $200/$350Summer Scholars Grades 2-5 August 3 – August 28 9:00-12:00 p.m. $360Bridge 6-Abbott Grade 6 August 10 – August 14 8:00-12:00 p.m. $100Bridge 6-OLMS Grade 6 August 3 – August 14 8:00-12:00 p.m. $100GRASP K-8 June – August Home Based Program $75/$100Sports CampsPat Watson’s Basketball Ages 6-14 June 15 – June 19 9:00-3:00 p.m. $170Skyhawks Golf/Tennis/Kickball Ages 5-10 June 15 – June 19 9:00-3:00 p.m. $169Cheerleading /Pom Pon Ages 6-10 June 15 – June 19 9:00-3:00 p.m. $175Pat Watson’s Baseball Ages 6-14 June 22 – June 25 9:00-3:00 p.m. $150Skyhawks Soccer/Floor Hockey Ages 5-10 June 22 – June 26 9:00-5:00 p.m. $169Tumble Bunnies Ages 4-7 June 22-June 26 9:00-12:00 p.m. $180Tumbling Ages 8-12 June 22 – June 26 12:00-3:00 p.m. $180Youth Football in a SNAP Grades 1-4 June 22 – June 26 9:00-12:00 p.m. $149Youth Football in a SNAP Grades 5-8 June 22-June 26 1:00-4:00 p.m. $149Lacrosse Technique Grades 4-8 June 29 – July 2 9:00-3:00 p.m. $170Skyhawks Golf/Tennis/Kickball Ages 5-10 July 6 – July 10 9:00-3:00 p.m. $169Flag Football Ages 6-11 July 6 – July 10 9:00-3:00 p.m. $180Active Games Ages 4-8 July 13 – July 17 9:00-3:00 p.m. $180Skyhawks Soccer/Floor Hockey Ages 5-10 July 13 – July 17 9:00-3:00 p.m. $169Tumble Bunnies Ages 4-7 July 13 – July 17 9:00-12:00 p.m. $180Tumbling Ages 8-12 July 13 – July 17 12:00-3:00 p.m. $180Volleyball Skills Grades 4-8 July 20 – July 23 9:00-12:00 p.m. $99Skyhawks Track & Field/Soccer Ages 7-11 July 20 – July 24 9:00-3:00 p.m. $169Skyhawks Soccer/Baseball/Kick Ages 5-10 July 27 – July 31 9:00-3:00 p.m. $169Tumble Bunnies Ages 4-7 July 27 – July 31 9:00-12:00 p.m. $180Tumbling Ages 8-12 July 27 – July 31 12:00-3:00 p.m. $180Greg Kelser Basketball Grades 1-12 August 3 – August 7 9:00-3:00 p.m. $225Skyhawks Track & Field/Soccer Ages 7-11 August 3 – August 7 9:00-3:00 p.m. $169Skyhawks Soccer /Floor Hockey Ages 5-10 August 10- August 14 9:00-3:00 p.m. $169Tumble Bunnies Ages 4-7 August 24 – August 28 9:00-12:00 p.m. $180Tumbling Ages 8-12 August 24 – August 28 12:00-3:00 p.m. $180Science & Technology Age/Grade Dates Times FeeMad Science Flight Academy Ages 6-12 June 22 – June 26 9:00-3:00 p.m. $205Mad Science Eureka! Ages 6-12 August 10 – August 14 9:00-3:00 p.m. $205Mad Science Preschool Discovery Ages 3-5 July 20 – July 22 9:00-12:00 p.m. $135Mr. Genius Rocketry Grades 1-4 June 29 – July 2 9:00-12:00 p.m. $135Mr. Genius Rocketry Grades 5-8 June 29 – July 2 1:00-4:00 p.m. $135Mr. Genius Pullback Car Frenzy Grades 1-4 July 6 – July 10 9:00-12:00 p.m. $149Mr. Genius Pullback Car Frenzy Grades 5-8 July 6 – July 10 1:00-4:00 p.m. $149Mr. Genius Pullback Car Frenzy Grades 1-4 August 3 – August 7 9:00-12:00 p.m. $149Mr. Genius Pullback Car Frenzy Grades 5-8 August 3 – August 7 1:00-4:00 p.m. $149Game Crazy Robotics Grades 1-8 June 22 – June 26 9:00-12:00 p.m. $145Game Crazy Video Game Design Grades 3-12 June 22 – June 26 1:00-4:00 p.m. $145Game Crazy Minecraft Grades 1-8 July 13 – July 17 9:00-12:00 p.m. $145Game Crazy Minecraft Grades 1-8 July 13 – July 17 1:00-4:00 p.m. $145Game Crazy Minecraft Grades 1-8 August 3 – August 7 9:00-12:00 p.m. $145Game Crazy LEGO Animation Grades 3-12 August 3 – August 7 1:00-4:00 p.m. $145Fine ArtsViolin and Percussion Grades 3-8 July 20 – July 31 1 hour sessions $120MusicWise Sounds of the Sea Ages 4-6 July 6 – July 10 9:00-12:00 p.m. $220Sunset Musical Theater Ages 5-13 July 20 – July 24 9:00-3:00 p.m. $280Performing Arts in a SNAP Grades 4-8 August 24 – August 28 9:00-4:00 p.m. $249Specialty CampsPretty in Pink Princess Ages 4-7 July 13 – July 17 9:00-12:00 p.m. $105Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! Ages 7-10 July 27 – July 31 9:00-3:00 p.m. $180Boys Will Be Boys! Ages 7-10 July 27 – July 31 9:00-3;00 p.m. $180International Cooking & Culture Ages 7-10 July 27 – July 31 9:00-3:00 p.m. $180Cooking Healthy for Me in a SNAP Grades 4-8 July 20 – July 24 9:00-4:00 p.m. $249Babysitting and CPR Ages 9-14 June 22 – June 26 9:00-12:00 p.m. $150Skull Island Adventure Grades K-6 June 29 – July 2 9:00-4:00 p.m. $195Skull Island Adventure Grades K-6 July 27 – July 31 9:00-4:00 p.m. $245Skull Island Adventure Grades K-6 August 31 – Sept 4 9:00-4:00 p.m. $255Kids EmpoweredCreative Girls Grades 1-5 July 13 – July 17 9:00-12:00 p.m. $150Boy’s University Grades 1-5 July 13 – July 17 9:00-12:00 p.m. $150Mad Scientist’s Friendship Grades 1-5 July 13 – July 17 12:30-3:30 p.m. $150Mad Scientist’s Friendship Grades Pre K-1 July 20 – July 24 9:00-12:00 p.m. $150Mad Scientist’s Friendship Grades K-2 August 3 – August 7 9:00-12:00 p.m. $150Little Boys Super Heroes Grades Pre K-2 July 27 – July 31 9:00-12:00 p.m. $150Little Girls Let It Go! Grades Pre K-1 July 6 – July 10 12:30-3:30 p.m. $150Bully Proof Me! Grades K-2 August 3 – August 7 12:30-3:30 p.m. $150Girls Assertiveness Boot Camp Grades 2-5 July 20 – July 24 12:30-3:30 p.m. $150

Community Education Summer Camps

West Bloomfield Community Education Department offers unique and interactive camps for campers ages 3-18. Let our camp experience fulfill your child’s needs academically, physically and socially. Professionals and certified teachers instruct and direct each of our highly respected camps. Day Camps offer a variety of fun in a safe and nurturing environment, with themed-weeks, swimming, specialized classes, special activities and on and off-site field trips. Specialty and Sports Camps offer a wide range of activities sure to engage creative minds and please every aspiring athlete. Academic Camps reinforce cognitive learning while enhancing basic skills in math, reading, language arts and social studies. Community Education has a camp that will pique each and every camper’s interest!

Early Bird and Late Stay is available for all camps. Register online at www.wbcommed.org, in person or by mail to West Bloomfield Community Education 5810 Commerce RoadWest Bloomfield, 48324 By fax: 248-865-6461 By phone: 248-865-6462

Full descriptions can be found online at wbsd.org, click on Departments then on Community Education.

Summer Reading & Summer Challenge 2015 at the

West Bloomfield Township Public Library offer seriously smart summer fun for kids and families. The programs help keep preschool through high school students active, entertained and engaged in learning all summer long. After reaching reading goals, kids and teens earn brag tags and books from the Summer’s End Book Fair. Readers can then take up the Summer Challenge and choose from dozens of new learning activities about science, math, technology, music, art, history and language arts. They earn an online badge and points for each activity completed, which count toward raffle tickets and prize drawings. Summer Reading and Summer Challenge kick off Saturday, June 13 from noon to 4 PM at the Main Library. Activities include a petting zoo, face and body painting, human hamster balls, trackless train rides and a comedy show. Join Summer Reading and Summer Challenge at the Library or online at www.westbloomfieldlibrary.org/summer. It’s summer time well spent!

Community Education



13

Kiddie Kite Day By: Deborah Kshminskiy

Supervisor of Early Childhood Education The West Bloomfield Community Education Department hosted their third annual Kiddie Kite Day and Summer Camp Fair on Saturday, May 2, 2015. It was a picture-perfect day, and over 375 parents and children enjoyed several hours of entertainment, kite-flying, music and fun. Families participated in a variety of activities and learned about our highly-regarded early childhood program and our sensational summer camps. “Kiddie Kite Day and Summer Camp Fair” Highlights: • Free event for all families. • Activities included kite-making, dancing, bounce houses, raffles, refreshments, face painting, socializing, sand-play, crafts and freebies. • Instructors and camp directors were on hand to answer questions and promote their camps: Sun & Fun Day Camp, Camp Superstar, Get Real Camp, Sylvan Learning, Greg Kelser Basketball Camp, DPR Educational Services sports and specialty camps, Skyhawks sports, SNAPtivities, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Mr. Genius Education, Game Crazy Technology, Kids Empowered, Summer Strings, Sunset Theater, True Martial Arts, and Pat Watson Baseball and Basketball Camps. For more information about our camps please visit our website at www.wbcommed.org • The Great Start Collaborative and the West Bloomfield Township Public Library participated and distributed literature regarding literacy activities and parenting information.

A special thank you to our generous sponsors: • The Early Childhood Parent Group • Whole Foods West Bloomfield • Costco The Community Education staff is already planning the 2016 Kiddie Kite Day and Summer Camp Fair. Visit the West Bloomfield School District website in February for more information on this event.




Adult Education - English as A Second Language

Dawn Klock, Coordinator - (248)539-23907071 Orchard Lake Rd, Suite 100 - West Bloomfield

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGESUMMER CLASSESCome and learn or improve your English!

June 1 – June 25, 2015

Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

Monday & Wednesday 9:30- 11:30 $159


Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 -11:30 $159


Monday - Thursday 9:30 - 11:30 $319

July 6 – July 30, 2015


Monday & Wednesday 9:30- 11:30 $159


Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 -11:30 $159


Monday - Thursday 9:30 -11:30 $319

Kiddie

Kite

Day!

Wafaa Salam (Egypt), Nandaram Kharel (Nepal), and Maria Vasquez (Mexico)

Be Cool & Spend Your Summer at School!By: Sally Unrath

Supervisor of Enrichment and Education

Spend the summer with Community Education! Kids ages 3 through 8th grade will be engaged in a variety of day camp activities all summer long at West Bloomfield High School. Beginning June 15 and ending August 28, themed weeks will have activities ranging from Silly Science to Krazy Kritter to Wet and Wild! On-site and off-site field trips, weekly classes in Spanish, karate, science and cooking along with arts and crafts, games and, of course, a daily dip in the pool add up to Summer FUN! Sign up for one week, two weeks or all eleven weeks! Once again, we will partner with the West Bloomfield Township Public Library to co-host programs at the high school and Roosevelt Elementary school. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in the library’s Summer Reading Program. We are also excited to begin a new partnership with Tamarack Camps as they visit and direct activities with our campers. Mr. Tom DeGrand, 5th grade teacher at Scotch, again serves as our lead teacher. He and the rest of our devoted staff are experienced, enthusiastic and excited to work with the children of the community. A portion of day camp activities have been funded through a grant from the PNC Bank Foundation, allowing us to reduce fees, provide additional field trips, special events and award partial scholarships to qualifying campers. Providing academic support is an ongoing focus of community education and this summer is no exception. Young minds will be refreshed in GRASP, a 10 week at-home program in math and reading. Students in 2nd-5th grade can prepare for the new school year in Summer Scholars. Bridge 6 paves the road for incoming 6th graders to Abbott and OLMS while Math & Reading Enrichment engages 7th and 8th graders in 5 weeks of lessons.We offer a full range of specialty and sports camps with district staff and professionals lending their talent and expertise to our youth. Along with longstanding regulars, Pat Watson, Greg Kelser, Skyhawks, DPR, Sunset Theater and Kids Empowered we are excited to welcome Sylvan Learning, Tumblebunnies, Mr. Genius Education, SNAPtivities and Advantage First Aid to our summer line-up. New this year is our Summer Music Program for students in grades 2-12, for violin and percussion lessons under the direction of Mr. Dale Anderson, a professional musician. This is an extension of the elementary music program that we launched last fall.Camp descriptions and pricing for all summer camps can be found at www.wbsd.org. Click on Departments then on Community Education. Register online at www.wbcommed.org. For more information and to register by phone please call 248-865-6462.Don’t delay! Register today and spend the summer with us!!!

The West Bloomfield School District offers the use of their schools with indoor and outdoor facilities available to the community on a rental basis. Call Anna Kulas Rosenthal at 248-865-3698 for reservations!

AuditoriumThe West Bloomfield High School Auditorium is fully equipped providing lights, sound staging and all technical requirements.Facilities are available for performances, meetings, religious gatherings and athletic events. Call us today at 248.865.3698!

Areas available to rent include: • Auditorium • Athletic Fields • Multi-purpose rooms • Turf Track & Field

• Classrooms• Cafeterias• Gymnasiums• Pool

We’ve got it to rent!



15

ADVERTISE IN THE LAKER! Call 248.865.6454

What fun it was to have Eric Malisow’s fourth grade class at Roosevelt help us pack food bags for Blessings in a Backpack! They did a great job and we look forward to having other children, adults, and organizations help us in the future. As we end our second year of Blessings in a Backpack, we are proud to share with you that we went from feeding 120 children in the 2013-14 school year to feeding 260 children during the 2014-15 year. Over 90,000 meals have been sent home for the weekend during this two-year period!For the 2015-16 school year, we will offer this valuable program to all five elementary schools in West Bloomfield School District. Eligible students (those who qualify for free and reduced lunch) at Gretchko

Blessings in a Backpack Adds Gretchko and Scotch for 2015-16 School Year

Students are happy to contribute their time because Hunger does not take a break on the weekends!!

and Scotch will join students of Roosevelt, Sheiko, and Doherty who already are benefiting from the program. We anticipate feeding 360 students, which means that we need to raise $36,000 in order to guarantee that none of our children come to school hungry on Monday mornings because of having limited access to food over the weekend.For just $100 a year, you can sponsor a child who will receive six non-perishable meals for each of the forty weekends in the school year. Eligible students receive a free breakfast and lunch each day at school, but oftentimes go home to little or no food on the weekends.

Please send your donations made out to Blessings in a Backpack/West Bloomfield-Keego Harbor to: Blessings in a Backpack, 5810 E. Long Lake Road Troy, Michigan 48085. Pay by credit card online at www. Blessingsinabackpackmi.org/westbloomfield-keegoharbor

by Katherine Sheiko

Fourth Grade students at Roosevelt had a great time helping to pack food for Blessings in a Backpack.

Start Feeling Better Today! Call 248-681-6804Save $20 on your chiropractic visit as a new or returning patient.*

Call 248-681-6804 to make your appointment.

*Offer good for new patients or patients who have not had a chiropractic appointment with Dr. Rosenberg in 2015. Offer good for one visit per person. Offer expires July 31, 2015.

Dr. Howard Rosenberg | 2081 Hiller Road @ Greer, W. Bloomfield248-681-6804 | www.hillerchiro.com

Medicare

Howard Rosenberg, DC, is an expert in relieving lower back pain and is the only Cox Certified Spinal Decompression Specialist in West Bloomfield and Lakes area.Along with expert chiropractic care, Dr. Rosenberg offers:• Deep tissue laser therapy for pain management

and anti-inflammatory treatments to speed healing• Massagetherapyfor relief of pain and muscle tightness;

reducing muscle spasms and lowering blood pressure

Howard Rosenberg, DC

Low Back Pain Expert!

Seniors 65+ Get Free Admission to District Events!

Laker Senior Gold Cards are available for our West Bloomfield School District senior residents. Gold Cards allow senior citizens (65+) to attend school district events such as plays, athletic games and musical performances ALL FREE OF CHARGE.

Laker Senior Gold Cards are available at district schools and at the Administrative and Community Services Building, 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield MI 48324.

Cards are non-transferable and may only be used by the registered senior. Gold Cards may not be used for facility use, room rentals, tuition based programs or MHSAA Tournament events. The Laker Gold Card must be presented at the ticket booth in order to receive a complimentary ticket.

Come and enjoy what West Bloomfield School District

has to offer as our gift to you.

ENTERING KINDERGARTEN

Michigan Law (Public Health Code, Act 368, and Michigan School Code, Act 291) requires a vision screening for

Kindergarten entrance.

Vision screening done by a health department technician,

a physician or an eye doctor fulfills this requirement.

Oakland County Health Division offers free vision screening for

County residents. Call (248) 424-7070 for an appointment.

joannebellet-tutoring.com




The Board of Education meets at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth working Monday of each month unless otherwise posted. The meetings are held in the Media Center of West Bloomfield High School, located at 4925 Orchard Lake Road (unless otherwise posted). All regular meetings are open to the public.

President .................... nelson HersH Vice President ...............randi sakwa

secretary ........................ Julie Beaty treasurer ........................ Matt cHase

trustee ...................... cristina elsen

trustee .....................stacy BrickMan

trustee .................carol Finkelstein

Stay informed! Watch Channel 19 WBTV WBSD’s Media Source

22-time Telly Award Winning Cable Station

BoaRD oF eDucaTIon 2014

West Bloomfield School District Television

Nishanth Alluri ’11Nishanth Alluri is a rising star. An undergraduate senior in the MedStart (8-yr B.A./M.D.) program, he is co-majoring in Anthropology and Peace and Conflict Studies in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College at Wayne State University. “We are living in an extremely critical period of human history, one in which countries are at risk of engaging in destructive battles, including nuclear and biological warfare. There needs to be an understanding of peace and conflict issues in anthropological terms in order to actually develop feasible and long-term solutions to extremely intricate problems.”

What has Nishanth been up to since graduating from WBHS? He’s worked with Dr. Eric Montgomery of WSU to conduct medical anthropology research in Ghana, Togo, and Benin, West Africa. “I am very passionate about my research and hope to make a true difference in the world. Beginning with [my science teacher] Josh Barclay’s solar panel project at WBHS, I have developed a true desire to make active change and to make a difference on the local level. My educational

experience has been phenomenal and each educator has been crucial to my success in both the social and natural sciences.”

Nishanth also serves on the Executive Board for the WSU Chapter of “Rebuilding Detroit Together” working to provide disabled Detroit citizens with tools to allow for a more comfortable lifestyle. He is involved with the Wayne State

University Student Senate, having served as the “Senator-At Large” and currently serving as the “Director of Community Affairs.” He is Manager of the Economic Development Project Group that focuses on enhancing community relations and is the Student Representative on the Promotion and Tenure Committee for the WSU Board of Governors. Nishanth has spoken about his experiences at the International Education Week at WSU, and has presented on his research at the National Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of Kentucky. And if that were not enough, he found time to act in a South Indian Telugu movie called “Chase” where he plays the role of a comedian.

Nishanth was recently awarded the Abraham Lincoln Brigades Scholarship through WSU’s History Department. According to Ali Salamey, Irvin D. Reid Honors College, Nishanth “exhibits a true sign of academic excellence because he challenges our assumptions, pushes our understanding and expands our knowledge in unexpected and new ways.” His ultimate goal is to use his academic and real life experiences to practice medicine and promote accessible health care in poverty-stricken countries.How did WBHS help Nishanth on his current path? “I cannot thank the entire WBHS faculty and staff enough for providing me with the best possible information to succeed in the world. WBHS educational training has truly equipped me with the tools necessary to succeed in college and make a real difference in our local community. ”

In July, Nishanth will begin attending Wayne State Medical School and is considering a Master’s in Public Health to further his ultimate goals. His WSU mentor, Dr. Montgomery, states “Nish will always find happiness in helping the health and well-being of those in need. He is a first-rate, rock star student and if we had another thousand like him Wayne State and Detroit would change for the better overnight.”

After graduating from West Bloomfield High School, Arij Nazir attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as a Pre-med student. Because Arij was unsure what career path to pursue, he took classes in an array of disciplines including the Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Eventually, he decided to focus on Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience due to his fascination with

the workings of the brain. While at U of M, Arij conducted research at University Hospital, worked as a Resident Advisor, played intramural football and soccer, and taught introductory English to incoming freshman from historically underrepresented and under-resourced high schools (including Detroit and Flint). He graduated with a BS in Neuroscience but decided to pursue another interest.

Arij earned a Masters in Commerce (Finance) at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. As part of his program, he traveled across Europe. Some highlights included visiting the Chelsea Football Club in London and being in Moscow during the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. With his wealth of academic and travel experience, Arij decided that he wanted to follow his true passion of serving other people and to do work on an institutional scale. He is currently an intern with the National Economic Council at The White House. “The material is intellectually challenging, the hours are demanding and the people are some of the smartest and most motivated people I’ve ever been around in my life,” says Arij. “I’m confident [that] public service is for me and I am trying to carve out my own path.” Eventually, Arij wants to apply his government experience in Detroit to help restore the city to its former glory.

How did WBHS help Arij Nazir on his current path? “WBHS is a place where teachers mentor students both academically and in their extracurricular interests, such as journalism or the sciences, in order to actively engage students in critical thinking.”

He is thankful to have attended a high school that celebrates diversity and where he was able to interact with students of different cultural backgrounds and faiths. Arij believes that he would not be where he is today without the help of many WBHS and Orchard Lake Middle School teachers. While at WBHS, Arij pursued a rigorous academic program including many Honors and AP courses. He served as Editor-in-Chief for the school newspaper and volunteered at various healthcare institutions.

Arij Nazir ’09 Charlene Wang - ’07 Charlene is a Cum Laude graduate of Harvard University who is currently finishing her MBA program at Harvard Business School. After HBS, she plans to join the Corporate Strategy Group of EMC Corporation, where she will be working with senior management to address strategic business questions and the strategic positioning of the company.

Charlene graduated Summa Cum Laude from WBHS and was actively involved with politics and law throughout high school. She worked on both state and national level political campaigns, starting first as a volunteer and then as a paid campaign staff member, including the 2004 Bush-Cheney Presidential Campaign, multiple re-election campaigns for former U.S. Congressman Joe Knollenberg, and Shelley Goodman Taub’s Michigan Senate campaign. In the summer of 2006, she worked as a U.S. Congressional Page. Charlene also was involved in Forensics and Debate and won several accolades in both categories. She founded the Political Action Group Club (PAG) at WBHS to raise engagement and awareness of political issues. The PAG worked to bring prominent speakers to WBHS and also worked to represent the voice of the students on topics such as budget cuts for academic programming.

At Harvard, Charlene majored in Economics with a minor in Mind, Brain and Behavior. During this time, she co-founded a non-profit organization, Styleta, which received recognition in the national media, business plan competitions and the Dell Social Innovation Challenge. Following her junior year at Harvard, she worked during the summer with Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong. She also managed to continue to pursue ballet while in college with the Harvard Dance Center.

After graduating from Harvard, Charlene joined top management consultancy firm, McKinsey & Company where she worked with senior executives at many Fortune 500 companies and with top NGOs across a variety of industries and functions to develop strategic business solutions.

How did Charlene’s experiences at WBHS help her on her current path? “High School was an important time for me when I challenged myself to grow and do difficult things that I never imagined myself to be capable of. I always looked up to those who came before me whom I greatly admired. “

What is Charlene Wang’s advice for current WBHS students? “My advice for those who aspire to do great things is to always try. Work hard, believe in yourself, and do not be afraid to fail, because at the end of the day, trying to do the impossible is an accomplishment in and of itself. And no matter what happens, love yourself, love your family, and make great friends, because these are some of the most important things in life.”

Arij Nazir with his former Honors U.S. History teacher and WBHS Students in Washington, DC.

ALUMNI NEWS by Alycia Chase

june 2015 laker

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