TC West Middle School Art Students Place in National Cherry Festival Art Poster Contest
Several TC West Middle School students recently participated in a youth art poster contest for students in 6th through 8th grade, hosted by the National Cherry Festival Organization. TC West Middle School Art Teacher Adam VanHouten proudly shared, “All of the students who placed in this art competition, were from TC West Middle School.” The competition results are as follows:

Lily Ankerson (8th Grade): 1st Place

Claire Roelofs (6th Grade): 2nd Place

Jack Ensign (8th Grade): 3rd Place

Clay Cook (7th Grade): Honorable Mention

Vaughn Nguyen (6th Grade): Honorable Mention

Brooke Ostrowski (6th Grade): Honorable Mention

A reception and public display of all of the art submissions was recently held at the Hagerty Center, Great Lakes Campus, where the students were commended for their fine work.

Theatre Arts Class
6th hour Intro to Play Production Presents:
"NO BODY TO MURDER" in the Little Theatre on the following dates:

Friday, May 11, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

Friday, May 18, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

6th Grade Intro to Theatre will present their semester projects during class and resource periods in the Little Theatre on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 22

Wednesday, May 23

Thursday, May 24

Join WMS LEGO Robotics Club!
The West Middle School LEGO Robotics Club still has a number of spots open. Students have until Tuesday, May 8, to join. If your child is interested, please contact Mr. Angelo Vozza at 933-0130 or Mr. Andy Hayes at 933-8320.

West Middle School Students Make it to the National History Day Competition
This year’s competition will be held in Maryland in June! This year's theme is Revolution, Reaction and Reforms in History.

Reid Bailey and Jake Long, Documentary, 1919 World Series Black Sox Scandal'  2nd place - group documentary category!! Going to Maryland!!

Zoe Larson and Kylie McDonald, Website, 'Elvis Presley: The King of the Rock n' Roll Revolution'   These girls are alternates for the group website category - and may attend nationals.

McKenzie and Matt Ankerson My Grandfather, My Hero, Our Freedom  This brother and sister team won a special prize for use of family history in this year's theme!

History of this competition ~ began with the entire 8th grade class creating exhibits, websites, documentaries, papers, or performances to showcase their research of primary and secondary sources around a specific theme. From this group, about thirty projects moved on to represent West Middle School at the National History Day District Competition. Very impressive efforts by all participants that day! Last Saturday, some top finishers were invited to CMU to participate in the State Competition!! West Middle School again was very well represented at this event!!

Project Greenagers
On May 17th, the 8th grade class is participating in our second annual community service project called Project Greenagers. Each 8th grade team will be working with a different community organization on projects that service our local natural resources. Through this project we hope to nurture a sense of stewardship and personal pride in our 8th grade students by providing them the opportunity to serve our community in a hands-on way and to connect this experience to our classroom curriculum. In addition, all students will have the opportunity to visit one of our area’s amazing natural resources. Donations to support this project are appreciated. If you have any questions, please call Tara DenHerder at 933-8323.

Eighth Grade Bon Voyage Celebration
On May 25, the eighth graders will be having their Bon Voyage Celebration (end of the year party for 8th grade).

450 Seedlings Plant - Earth Day Project

 
Yellow Team students prepared over 450 seedlings to be planted by WMS students and staff. Some reasons we think planting trees is important.... prevents soil erosion, prevents water pollution, helps recharge ground water.
 

Students Traveling to Spain
We have a wonderful opportunity for our West and East side schools to travel together to Spain in November. We are traveling to Spain in November 2012 to visit Barcelona, Madrid, Costa del Sol, Granada and and Sevilla. This trip will be especially rewarding for our Spanish students. It is open to any student (current grades 8-12) who may be interested in experiencing another culture. Speaking the language is not a requirement to participate.

We already have several students enrolled, but still have space for more travelers. If you are interested in learning about this amazing opportunity, there will be an informational meeting: Wednesday, May 9th, at East Middle School in the Library from 6 – 7 p.m. Information will be shared about the trip, our goals, and you will receive a fund-raising packet to help pay for your child's travel.

If you have any questions or would like more information about our trip to Spain, please contact Tamara Batcha at batchata@tcaps.net. We hope to see you at the meeting to discuss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Music Highlights
The WMS Music Department trip to Michigan Adventure is on June 2nd.

The WMS bands participated in State Band Festival on Thursday, May 3rd, in Manistee...CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT JOB BAND STUDENTS!! West Middle School was well represented once again thanks to the fine job of all band members.

Student of the Month Celebration
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to be April Students of the Month:

Sydney McCombs, Charlotte Groleau, Maddie Parker, Dana Kilinski, Brian Wagoner, Levent Simionescu, Calvin Lautner, Matt Anderson, Maddie Snable

Fall 2012 Registration
Registration for 2012/2013 school year will be held Wednesday, August 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Thursday, August 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During registration, students receive their schedules, lockers, student parent/emergency information sheet for review and update as necessary, and student pictures. TCAPS information regarding the lunch program and bus route information will be available in the Titan cafeteria as well.

In order to get off to a smooth start for our next school year, we need parents who are willing to work a 2 to 3 hour shift for registration in August.

To volunteer, please contact the following grade wing offices:

Andrea Delgiudice
6th/South Wing
933-8220
delgiudian@tcaps.net

Mandi Furstenberg
7th/West Wing
933-8300
furstenbma@tcaps.net

Jill Hale
8th/North Wing
933-8260
haleji@tcaps.net

 The success of our fall registration is largely dependent upon parent volunteers.

WMS Green School
WMS received the "Michigan Green Schools" award again this year. We are now at Emerald status. Michigan Green Schools is a way to help Michigan achieve environmental goals through its schools. The schools look at the 20 points of educational environmental activities, and tries to achieve as many as possible. If any school in Michigan achieves ten of these points within an academic year, it receives official Michigan Green School status. Here at WMS we have achieved EMERALD status, which is going beyond the 10 point requirement (we achieved 15 points).

Donations Accepted
Donations of crutches, ace bandages, and wheelchairs are always accepted in the P.E. department and nurse's office! If you have any of these items that you no longer need, please consider donating them to WMS!!! Any questions email brownlo@tcaps.net or call 933-8340.

We are once again in need of large and extra large boys shorts! All that we had have been taken and kept by needy kids or never returned to the "to-be-washed" barrel. I have already scoured the lost and found pile.

Please look around at home or if you happen to be shopping at Goodwill, Women's Resource, or garage sales and find some inexpensive shorts to purchase, keep a receipt and we will reimburse you!!!!

Tutoring
Tutoring by WMS certified teachers is available free of charge in the Library every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM.

The Bullycide Project - May 22, 6:00 PM

 
The Bullycide Project is a play based on the book Bullycide in America, written by mothers who have lost a child to suicide due to excessive bullying. The play chronicles stories of bullycide, as well as additional stories from the perspectives of the bully, the bystander, the person who stands up to bullying, and the parents.

The play is showing at Lars Hockstad Auditorium, Central Grade School, 301 W. 7th Street. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Show starts at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Orchard Creek Assisted Living on Cherry Bend Road, The Copy Shop on 8th Street, and Floor Covering B rokers on South Airport Road.

Proceeds from this event will benefit TCAPS anti-bullying initiatives. Contact Dale Chilcote at dale@orchardcreektc.com or visit www.thebullycideproject.com for more information.

Box Top for Education Program
Each Box Top coupon is worth 10¢ for our school. You can clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products. Box Tops has helped America's schools earn over $250 million in the past 12 years. Your school can earn up to $60,000 every year – that's as much as $20,000 from each of these three easy ways to earn. For more information go to their website at www.boxtops4education.com.

You can make a difference for your school every time you shop for groceries! Just clip the Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products and send them to WMS.

Grand Slam for TCAPS – 1st Annual Wuerfel Park Fundraiser for TCAPS K-12 Sports: Saturday, July 28, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Come join the fun at Wuerfel Park on Saturday, July 28th, and help raise funds for TCAPS sports programs. Enjoy carnival games, sports clinics, and a silent auction at this rain or shine event. Tickets are only $5.00. Every ticket is an entry for the Grand Slam Grand Prize! A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to TCAPS K-12 sports as well as 100% of the silent auction proceeds. Call 231.943.0100 for more information or to order your tickets today! Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.

LEAP INFORMATION FOR 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE IN PLACE BY 8/1/12. CHECK tcwtitans.com FOR UPDATES

FYI … there are two local sources of low-cost health care for local families who cannot afford regular doctor visits, sports physicals, etc. The Youth Health and Wellness Center at the TBA - 922-6416 and K-Town in Kingsley 263-5895.

Traverse City West Senior High School 2102 Titan Boys’ Summer Basketball Camp, June 18 – 21. For more information, contact: Titan’s Varsity Coach Brett Graham at 933-8275 or email grahambr@tcaps.net.

Summer sports camp brochures are currently available in all wing offices for a variety of sports throughout the area. Titan and Trojan sports camp registration forms can also be completed online through the Central and West Senior High schools' websites or at www.tcaps.net/summerprograms..

To register, pay online, or for additional information for any LEAP program, please visit www.tcaps.net/LEAP. Scholarships are available to those with specific financial needs. For additional questions please contact the LEAP office at 231-933-1758 or 231-933-1722.

CHECK TRACK HOTLINE FOR LAST MINUTE CHANGES (WEATHER ISSUES, DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL TIMES FROM AWAY MEETS, ETC..) – 933-8251 - This is an outgoing message only!!! Best way to contact Coach Brown is by email – brownlo@tcaps.net or call 933-8340 during school hours (7:30 a.m. – 2:37 p.m.).

TRACK & FIELD CURRENT Meet Schedule:

5/9 Petoskey @ EMS
4:00 PM (6th graders from WMS; EMS 6th, 7th & 8th)

5/10 WMS and Alpena @ Cadillac
4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

5/14 Elementary All City Meet @ TCC TRACK
(EMS & WMS 6th Graders only)

5/15 Elementary All City Meet@ TCC TRACK
(EMS & WMS 6th Graders only)

5/16 Elementary All City Meet@ TCC TRACK
(EMS & WMS 6th Graders only) (6th Grade season over)

5/17 WMS @ EMS
4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

5/24 BNC Final
(WMS, EMS, Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena) @ Cadillac - 1:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

All meets begin at 4:00 PM with the exception of the 4/28 Benzie Invite, the Elem. ALL CITY 5/14-16 (6TH Grade) and the BNC finals on 5/24 (7th & 8th Grade only)

Donations Accepted
Donations of crutches, ace bandages, and wheelchairs are always accepted in the P.E. department and nurse's office! If you have any of these items that you no longer need, please consider donating them to WMS!!! Any questions email brownlo@tcaps.net or call 933-8340.

We are once again in need of large and extra large boys shorts! All that we had have been taken and kept by needy kids or never returned to the "to-be-washed" barrel. I have already scoured the lost and found pile.

Please look around at home or if you happen to be shopping at Goodwill, Women's Resource, or garage sales and find some inexpensive shorts to purchase, keep a receipt and we will reimburse you!!!!

Low-Cost Health Care
Just an FYI that there are 2 sources of low-cost health care for local families who cannot afford regular doctor visits, sports physicals, etc..

• Youth Health & Wellness Center at TBA , 922-6416
• K-Town in Kingsley, 263-5895

Student Activity Highlights
Eighth Grade Student Council is doing another Coffee Cafe for the cars in the drop off line on the morning of April 20th. All proceeds will go to benefit our new recycling programs. We are hoping to raise $500.

Theatre Arts Class
6th hour Intro to Play Production Presents:

• "NOBODY TO MURDER"
  Cast 1, May 11, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
  Cast 2 May 18, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

All performances in the Little Theatre Adults $2 at the door, no charge for students

Fall 2012 Registration
Registration for 2012/2013 school year will be held Wednesday, August 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Thursday, August 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During registration, students receive their schedules, lockers, student parent/emergency information sheet for review and update as necessary, and student pictures. TCAPS information regarding the lunch program and bus route information will be available in the Titan cafeteria as well.

In order to get off to a smooth start for our next school year, we need parents who are willing to work a 2 to 3 hour shift for registration in August.

To volunteer, please contact the following grade wing offices:

• Andrea Delgiudice
  6th/South Wing
  933-8220
  delgiudian@tcaps.net

• Mandi Furstenberg
  7th/West Wing
  933-8300
  furstenbma@tcaps.net

• Jill Hale
  8th/North Wing
  933-8260
  haleji@tcaps.net

The success of our fall registration is largely dependent upon parent volunteers.

WMS Green School
WMS received the "Michigan Green Schools" award again this year. We are now at Emerald status. Michigan Green Schools is a way to help Michigan achieve environmental goals through its schools. The schools look at the 20 points of educational environmental activities, and tries to achieve as many as possible. If any school in Michigan achieves ten of these points within an academic year, it receives official Michigan Green School status. Here at WMS we have achieved EMERALD status, which is going beyond the 10 point requirement (we achieved 15 points).

Music Highlights
Corson Concert is April 19, 7:00 PM...Corson Auditorium on the Campus of The Interlochen Arts Academy

Congratulations to the following students for participating in the MSBOA Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival in Boyne City on April 14:

• Claire Bergin
• Bailey Bell
• Nicole Blakkan-Esser
• Zach Dittenbir
• Brianne Giddis
• Camellia Minervini
• Maeeline Merwin
• Madison Porter
• Jared Swanson

Student of the Month Celebration
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to be March Students of the Month:

• Daniel Ayling
• Kirsten Campbell
• Jon-Michael Clark
• Cole Gross
• Natalie Hammond
• Lauren Leslie
• Anna Morgan
• Will Stevens
• Isaac Williamson

Tutoring
Tutoring by WMS certified teachers is available free of charge in the Library every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM.

Box Top for Education Program
Each Box Top coupon is worth 10¢ for our school. You can clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products. Box Tops has helped America's schools earn over $250 million in the past 12 years. Your school can earn up to $60,000 every year – that's as much as $20,000 from each of these three easy ways to earn. For more information go to their website at www.boxtops4education.com.

You can make a difference for your school every time you shop for groceries! Just clip the Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products and send them to WMS.

LEAP Sports Update
There is still time to sign up for Grades 6-8 Flag Football. Registration and payment deadline is Friday, April 20. Practice begins Tuesday, May 1. Cost is $50 per student. Visit the Web site for information on practices and Jamboree.

To register, pay online, or for additional information for any LEAP program, please visit www.tcaps.net/LEAP. Registration deadlines are final. No late registrations will be accepted. Scholarships are available to those with specific financial needs. For additional questions please contact the LEAP office at 231-933-1758 or 231-933-1722.

WMS TRACK AND FIELD
Track Practices are underway and the athletes are doing great!!! Practices are Monday – Thursday after school until 4:30 p.m., (field event participants can stay as late as 5:00 p.m.) Friday practices until 4:00 p.m. – not mandatory, but all are encouraged to attend, especially anyone who would like to participate in pole vault, high jump, long jump, shot put and hurdles. Field event practices also offered on select Saturdays at WSH.

CHECK TRACK HOTLINE FOR LAST MINUTE CHANGES (WEATHER ISSUES, DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL TIMES FROM AWAY MEETS, ETC..) – 933-8251 - This is an outgoing message only!!! Best way to contact Coach Brown is by email – brownlo@tcaps.net or call 933-8340 during school hours (7:30 a.m. – 2:37 p.m.).

CURRENT Meet Schedule:

• 4/19 HOME MEET vs Petoskey
  4:00 PM (6th graders from EMS; all of WMS team) Parent Volunteers please arrive at 3:30 PM if possible
• 4/26 HOME MEET vs Cadillac
  4:00 PM (6th graders from EMS & WMS 6th, 7th & 8th) Parent Volunteers please arrive at 3:30 PM if possible
• 4/28 Benzie Invitational
  Time TBA (EMS & WMS 6th, 7th & 8th graders)
• 5/1 EMS and WMS @ Cadillac
  4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)
• 5/9 Petoskey @ EMS
  4:00 PM (6th graders from WMS; EMS 6th, 7th & 8th)
• 5/10 WMS and Alpena @ Cadillac
  4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)
• 5/14 Elementary All City Meet @ TCC TRACK
  (EMS & WMS 6th Graders only)
• 5/15 Elementary All City Meet@ TCC TRACK
  (EMS & WMS 6th Graders only)

• 5/16 Elementary All City Meet@ TCC TRACK
  (EMS & WMS 6th Graders only) (6th Grade season over)

• 5/17 WMS @ EMS
  4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

• 5/24 BNC Final
  (WMS, EMS, Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena) @ Cadillac - 1:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

All meets begin at 4:00 PM with the exception of the 4/28 Benzie Invite, the Elem. ALL CITY 5/14-16 (6TH Grade) and the BNC finals on 5/24 (7th & 8th Grade only) TCAPS will provide transportation to meets at Cadillac, otherwise parents are responsible for all transportation

February Students of the Month
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to be February Students of the Month:

Hannah Suski, Grace Thomas, Zach Okma, Alisha Gresock, Olivia Coolman, Alex Gloshen, Ben Dierking, Kadison Sayre, and Kim Anderson

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Spring parent/teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, March 8, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This is a good time to catch up on what has been going on with your child. Hope to see you there.

Spelling Bee
We had six students who participated in the Grand Traverse County Spelling Bee. All of them did a wonderful job representing WMS in February! Congratulations to:

Jonah Tanis, Andrew Gillings, Chase Albrecht, Jillian Avis,    Sasha Schusterbrown, and Liliya Burden

A special congratulation goes to Jillian Avis and Jonah Tanis who will be moving on to regional spelling bee competition!

MathCounts Team
The West Middle School MathCounts team competed at the Regional MathCounts competition on February 11, at Petoskey Middle School. Team members include Melissa Bush, Gillian Gahn, Robby Parsons, and Dante Vozza. Dante Vozza, 7th grader, finished in 6th place overall! Congratulations to all the Mathletes who worked hard to prepare for the competition.

Michigan Youth Arts
Congratulations Black Team! Michigan Youth Arts, on behalf of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs awarded an Arts & Culture Trek grant to the black team to visit the Michigan Legacy Art Park on May 31. “This activity is supported by Michigan Youth Arts and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.”

Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative Grant


On Tuesday, February 14th, Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative (GTSI) Program Coordinator Lorraine Austin presented West Middle School Principal Pam Alfieri and teachers, Melanie Cypher and Linda Barker, with a mini-grant award in the amount of $758.50.

TC West Middle School 6th grade teachers Melanie Cypher and Linda Barker applied for the GTSI grant, available to groups or individuals whose projects address local water-related issues through place-based education. The 6th grade classes will use the grant funds for field trips, nets for water quality testing, and publishing of student reflections from the ecology unit of study.

Ms. Cypher stated, “I am excited to be a part of the Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative. My hopes are that our participation with GTSI will have a positive impact on our students this year and for many years to come.” She finished, “I would like to instill in my students, a sense of how their environment influences every aspect of their lives.”

Career Day
The 8th grade class and staff would like to thank all of the local business people who participated in Career Day on March 1. These people gave their time to help our 8th students learn skills on applying and interviewing for future jobs. Together we can all make a difference in these children’s lives.

TBA Tech Center
The entire 8th grade class will be visiting TBA Career Tech Center on Tuesday, March 6. Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Career-Tech Center is a secondary career and technical education center serving more than twenty-five public and private high schools and approximately 1,100 students in the five-county Traverse Bay region. Students receive training in twenty-one occupational programs utilizing cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment. It is the mission of the Career-Tech Center to prepare students with skills and learning experiences for employment and life-long learning. CTC students move into immediate job placement and/or additional post-secondary training in technical schools, colleges and universities, or the U.S. military.

GO GREEN!!!!
New recycling bins have been placed in classrooms throughout the school, blue for paper, green for plastic. Please remind you student to do their part to help the environment by recycling. Thank you to the Student Council members who will be collecting twice a week!

Challenge Bullying - Create a Safe Community
Tuesday, March 14, has been designated to promote anti-bullying. There will be school-wide activities throughout the day.

On March 16, Youth leaders from the 8th grade will attend a conference, Building Bridges through Music, to discuss bullying curriculum and to translate the curriculum into a dramatic presentation to share with other students. A Michigan State Police Detective will also discuss Cyber Bullying and the Law.

Odyssey of the Mind
West Middle School has an OM team participating in the March 3rd regional competition. The students who are on the team are: Zachariah Dittenbir-7, Drew Daenzer-7, Kristian Humphrey-6, Anja Ignace-7, Avery Schroetenboer-7, Meghan Hurd-7, and Amy Kase-7.

Music Highlights
TCAPS Local Solo & Ensemble is March 10, at WMS.

Congratulations to Katrina Basel, Nick Burns, Drew Daenzer, & Delaney Drake for being accepted to participate in the MSBOA Middle School Honor Band in East Jordan on March 14.

Choir Notes
In January, 18 soloists and one ensemble, the WMS Madrigal Singers, participated in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District 2 Solo and Ensemble Festival held at West Senior High School. The Madrigal Singers received an “Excellent” rating. Congratulations to all participants!

On February 14th, the WMS 8th Grade Treble Choir participated in the first Virtual Clinic Session using Polycom web conferencing software. This is a groundbreaking experience for WMS students, and we hope to continue to bring experts from great distances into our classrooms at low cost regularly in the future.

Four choirs totaling 270 students participated in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District 2 Choral Festival on Wednesday, February 22, at Benzie Central High School.

Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held March 1-9 in the school library. The Fair will be open during school hours and also during the March 8th Parent/Teacher Conferences.

SCI-MA-TECH Information

The Program: SCI-MA-TECH offers students enhanced opportunities in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. SCI-MA-TECH inspires and challenges students through an individualized and integrated curriculum. SCI-MA-TECH has a rigorous curriculum that engages students through participation in exciting and innovative explorations designed to fully prepare them for success in post-secondary education and beyond.

SCI-MA-TECH is based at Traverse City Central High School. Students join SCI-MA-TECH as freshmen and participate in the program for four years earning six trimesters of credit each year in math, science and technology. SCI-MA-TECH students also visit colleges and businesses, hear from speakers, conduct authentic research, complete an internship, and participate in extracurricular activities such as the FIRST Robotics Competition and underwater ROV building competition.

Why Join SCI-MA-TECH?

Take unique classes taught by outstanding teachers

 

Learn by doing not by watching

 

Pursue your passions with support and encouragement of SCI-MA-TECH staff

 

Conduct authentic research using state of the art equipment

 

Present your research at the Northern Michigan Mathematics, Engineering and Science Symposium and other state and national science fairs

 

Join a school within a school and form great friendships with students with similar interests and goals

 

Internship in a career area of student’s choice

 

Participate in extracurricular activities such as SCI-MA-TECH’s FIRST Robotics Team #1711, The Raptors

 

Compete in national competitions such as the American Math Contest, the USA Biology Olympiad, and the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

 

Follow in the footsteps of SCI-MA-TECH alumni and attend colleges such as University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, United States Naval Academy, West Point, University of Michigan, MSU, Grand Valley State University, Rose-Hulman Institute, Cornell, and Michigan Tech.

Admissions: Admission to SCI-MA-TECH is not based solely on academic achievement. Interest and commitment are major factors in the selection process. SCI-MA-TECH is open to all Grand Traverse area students. Students complete an application during the spring of their 8th grade year. An interview with members of the SCI-MA-TECH staff is part of the selection process. Applications this year is due March 16, 2012 and can be found by going to www.tcaps.net/chs. For more information contact Toby Tisdale, SCI-MA-TECH Director at 231-933-3521 or tisdaleto@tcaps.net.

SCI-MA-TECH Classes:

*Students in AT math as 7th and 8th graders will take Honors Algebra II as freshmen, Trig/Pre-Calc as sophomores, AP Calculus AB or BC as juniors and Calculus III or AP Statistics as seniors.

Tenth Annual Teacher and Parent Education Series
On March 6, Northern Michigan Psychiatric Services will deliver a presentation on “Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children and Adolescents” from Dr. Sander Weckstein, Board Certified Child, Adolescent, and General Psychiatrist. The presentation will run from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the TC Central High School Library Media Center, 1150 Milliken Drive, All presentations are open to the public and are free of charge. Please call Northern Michigan Psychiatric Service, P.C. at 231-935-0355 for more information.

Student Count Day – February 8th
Every school day is important to your child’s learning! Count Day on Wednesday, February 8th, determines funding amounts, based on student attendance, that help schools pay for many academic programs and services. Help your school by being in school on Count Day. In the event school is closed on Feb. 8th, then count day will take place on the following school day.

West Middle School Receives Grant
West Middle School is the proud recipient of a $500 Educational Advancement Award from the Michigan Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. It will allow for the purchase and placement of different rock types along the existing walking trail extensions on or connecting to the school grounds. The boulders will promote the study of water quality and Great Lakes rock formations for students at our school.

The grant was written during the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, which was a year-long study resulting in rain garden enhancements onsite. The participating teachers were: Mrs. Barker, Mr. Vance, Mrs. Taplin, Ms. Cypher, and Mr. March. As additional connections to the trail system near WMS continue, additional improvements are planned. Questions can be referred to any of the teachers involved in the ongoing project.

Lego League at WMS
On Saturday, December 3rd, at the Lego by the Bay Qualifying Tournament, the TC Terror Lego League team comprised of students from Traverse City West Middle School, TCAPS’ Montessori at Glenn Loomis, and Central Grade School, won the tournament championship. In addition to winning the Championship, the TC Terror scored a perfect 4 on the Research Project and Presentation.

TC Terror Team (pictured above):
Aaron Begelow, Alex Endresen, Anna Endresen, Seth Gallagher, Andrew Gillings, Jeremy Hower, Dante Vozza, Angelo Vozza, Massimo Vozza, Ross Williamson

The TC Terror team, and Traverse City East Middle School’s team, Imagination, advanced to the Flint LEGO Championship Tournament, which was held on Saturday, December 10th, at Carmen-Ainsworth Middle School in Flint, Michigan.

West Middle School Spelling Bee Winners

First Place: Jillian Avis, Second Place: Sasha Schusterbrown, Third Place: Jonah Tanis, Fourth Place: Shanna Hilborn, Fifth Place: Andrew Gillings, Sixth Place: Liliya Burden, and Alternate: Chase Albrect.

American Cancer Society Fundraiser A Success!
WMS students and Jacob's Corn Maze raised over $5,500 dollars for the American Cancer Society. Teachers and students who collected more then 100 dollars in pledges received a t-shirt.

Pictured from left to right: Back Row (Shawna Asher, Nathan Stephens, Dante Vozzo, Charlotte Groleau, Darius Johnson, Jack Boyce, Alexis Reames-Conklin, Kaylee Walters, Kalyn Peterson, Rachel Howse, and Blake Vance) Bottom Row (Keyanna Garvin, Ashley Edmondson, Nona Tsuber, Jared Kraft, Jacob Carruth) Not Pictured (Long Lake Elementary Ella Flores, Central Grade School Hunter Beach and M'lynn Beach, West Middle School Hannah Ellery)

Band News
7th & 8th grade WMS Band students participated in bringing live music and Holiday Spirit to underprivileged children and families at the Salvation Army facility on Barlow Ave. here in Traverse City!! 

Our students dressed in holiday attire and shared their musical talents playing holiday songs, while homeless and underprivileged families made Christmas cookies and had a visit from Santa.  

We are VERY PROUD of our students; if you get the chance please give them an extra pat on the back for giving of their time and talent to these special families. Listed below are the students who participated:

7th Grade
Austin Barth	Charlotte Groleau
Bailey Bell	Camellia Minervini
Claire Bergin	Lukas Sawusch
Chase Boyle	Nick Schwert
Sophia Crellin	Maddy Snable
Zach Dittenbir	Hayden Talbot
Paige Forrester	Katie Zeits
Nora Galligan	Nate Zokas
8th Grade
McKenzie Ankerson	Willy Hutchinson
Kirsten Campbell	Danny Merchant
Ashley Croff	Abby Moyes
Charlotte DeHaven	Kailey Rubinas
Brianne Giddis	Allison Shaughnessy
Nick Hirschenberger	Sarah VanSipe
Jeremy Hower	Noah Weichert
Joe Hughes

When should I keep my child home from school?
Whenever a child complains of not feeling well on a school day, parents are faced with the decision of whether or not to send the youngster to school. How do you make the right choice? Generally speaking, if a child is sick, he/she should NOT come to school.

If you child is vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, has a rash, sore throat or running a fever of 100 or greater, please keep your child home for at least twenty-four hours or until he/she is completely recovered. Should a child become ill during the school day, parents will be contacted to take him/her home.

The Communicable Disease Chart located in the TCAPS student handbook is a valuable resource for you to use in making this decision.

If a youngster is sick, but you feel he/she can come to school as long as they stay inside or don’t participate in PE, PLEASE RECONSIDER: A STUDENT WELL ENOUGH TO ATTEND SCHOOL WILL BE CONSIDERED WELL ENOUGH TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES.

Reporting Illness: Please report to school when your child is out of school due to the following symptoms: chills, fatigue, FEVER (temperature over 100), sore throat, cough or muscle aches. 

Peer Tutoring Program

WMS recently instituted a Peer Tutoring Program -- made up of students tutoring fellow students. The one-on-one sessions take place during Resource period in the cafeteria, and tutoring is available in all subject areas (including organizational and study skills help). Approximately 80 of the tutors are students in the National Junior Honor Society Program, who will be fulfilling part of their service requirements. Paul Crowley, 8th grade counselor, manages both the Peer Tutoring Program and NJHS – please contact him for further information. Also see WMS NJHS web page for more information.

Parent Volunteer Opportunity for Tutoring Program

We are in need of parent volunteers for our Peer Tutoring Program to help supervise the students. These sessions currently take place 3 times per week (Tues, Weds, & Thurs) during the resource period (1:50 - 2:40pm) in the cafeteria. This could be for as little as 1-2 hours per semester -- or we would very much welcome any parents who would like to volunteer more regularly.

We’ve created a very simple way to sign up online to be a volunteer. Using a web-based scheduling calendar, parents will be able to see all of the available volunteer time slots. With a few quick clicks, you can sign up for a one-hour volunteer shift. You’ll even be emailed an automatic reminder 2 days in advance!

Click here for the Peer Tutoring Volunteer Sign Up Calendar

The support of our families is sincerely appreciated, and contributes greatly to the success of our school!

PURPLE TEAM PROVIDES COMMUNITY SERVICE
Listed below is a community project that the Purple Team has planned:

Hat Day Fundraiser
One day a Chemo patient told everyone she was having a great day. That morning she received four bags of food so her family could have a Thanksgiving Dinner. She couldn’t work and while her husband was employed it was not enough to support their family of five growing boys. Whenever you think you have it bad, you can always find someone who has it worse.

I’ve never forgotten that experience so when my college roommate explained how her Seventh Grade Math students provided Thanksgiving Dinner for the needy each year, I was interested.

The purple team will be looking at nutrition, appropriate food choices and portion sizes to create a healthy menu and grocery list. The teams armed with their grocery list and budget will walk to Meijer to purchase the food. Each team will have to spend only what is given to them so they will have to really watch the choices they make while still buying everything on the list. After all the groceries are paid for and the students walk back to school, some wonderful parents will pick up the groceries and deliver them to school. With the help of Mrs. Alfieri, the food will be given to the families that need it the most.

On October 28, we held HAT DAY for all WMS students and teachers who wanted to participate and help raise funds for this worthy cause. All participants paid $1.00 for the privilege to wear a hat all day. We are excited to report that the Purple Team raised approximately $425. This money will be used for our Meijer shopping trip to buy Thanksgiving Dinner food for families in need. Thank you to all who participated!

FROM THE NURSING DEPARTMENT

When should I keep my child home from school?

Whenever a child complains of not feeling well on a school day, parents are faced with the decision of whether or not to send their child to school. How do you make the right choice? Generally speaking, if a child is sick, he/she should NOT come to school.

If you child is vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, has a rash, sore throat, or running a fever of 100 or greater, please keep your child home for at least twenty-four hours or until he/she is completely recovered. Should a child become ill during the school day, parents will be contacted to take him/her home.

The Communicable Disease Chart located in the TCAPS student handbook is a valuable resource for you to use in making this decision.

If a youngster is sick, but you feel he/she can come to school as long as they stay inside or don’t participate in PE, PLEASE RECONSIDER: A STUDENT WELL ENOUGH TO ATTEND SCHOOL WILL BE CONSIDERED WELL ENOUGH TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES. Reporting Illness: Please report to the school when your child is out of school due to the following symptoms: chills, fatigue, FEVER (temperature over 100), sore throat, cough, or muscle aches.

LOST AND FOUND
Items of clothing, books, lunch boxes, etc. are accumulating in all grade wings, the cafeterias, and the boys and girls locker rooms. All items not claimed by Winter Break, December 22, will be recycled into the PE Department or donated to charity.

SKI SALE
The Annual Grand Traverse Ski Club sale will be held at West Middle School Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Time slot tickets, on a first-come first serve basis, will be handed out beginning at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning. If you want to sell equipment, drop off time is Friday, November 11, between 5:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. New this year - you can register your items to sell online and take the "fast lane" on Friday evening to drop off your equipment. Pick up money or unsold equipment on Sunday from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Any questions, contact the G. T. Ski Club. This is not a TCAPS sponsored event.

MATH CLUB
West Middle School’s Math Club will be meeting on Thursdays from 2:40 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in room 315. For more information or if your child is interested in signing up, please contact Mrs. Taplin at 933-8273 or email her at taplinma@tcaps.net.

A NOTE FROM EIGHTH GRADE STUDENT COUNCIL
During the weeks of October 31 and November 7, the 8th grade class at West Middle School is running a Virtual Book Drive through the United Way for all 13 of our TCAPS elementary schools. This type of drive is done completely online. This website explains the process and purpose of the Virtual Book Drive: http://www.firstbook.org/unitedway  

Oh and I forgot to mention that this United Way Virtual Book Drive program is so new that we are the first school in the whole state of Michigan to do it!

Please listen for a radio commercial from our student council kids. A couple of eighth graders went to the WTCM office to cut a radio commercial for the book drive. It will air on a couple of local radio stations.

The United Way and our school district believe that a book drive can make a difference in our community. Kids who don’t have books – or an adult reading with them – don’t read as well. And kids who don’t read well don’t do well in school. Children who aren’t strong readers by the end of third grade are four times as likely to drop out of high school. Books and interactive reading help build reading skills – and academic success.

The United Way can purchase books for $2.50 apiece, which means that if each of our 8th grade WMS families donated $5 we could raise over $2000 and provide over 800 books to kids right in our community! We are asking that sometime before November 11, please go online and make a donation.

You can donate by clicking here to access the web site listed above and then “Choose to donate to an existing fund.” Just enter TCAPS in the search engine and the system will show the three different 8th grade teams at West Middle School. Choose a team and make your donation.

At the end of our 2-week drive the United Way will take all of the funds raised and purchase books for our elementary schools from a wish list the schools have compiled. Then, on November 23, all 407 West Middle School 8th grade students will participate in a Day of Action where we will travel to our elementary schools and read books to the students there.

We are really excited about having the opportunity to give back to our elementary schools and help promote the power of reading in all our students! Thank you so much for your support!

Questions or comments? Please contact 8th grade Student Council Advisor, Tara DenHerder, at 933-8323.

VASA SKI CLUB JR PROGRAM
(Formerly the Traverse Junior Nordic Ski Club) meets Tuesdays and Thursdays Jan. 10-Mar. 1, 3:30 PM-5:30 PM at Timber Ridge. Just $75 for the season; includes a one way bus ride to Timber Ridge immediately after school, trail pass, snack, and on-site instruction with coaches. Store your cross-country skiing equipment at Timber Ridge or rent it for only $40 for the season. Beginners to advanced skiers are invited to join the outdoor winter fun. Download the registration and waiver forms from; vasaskiclub.com or call John Pflughoeft (946-2588) if you have questions.

CONGRATULATIONS WMS BAND STUDENTS
22 WMS band students will audition for the Michigan Middle School All-State Band on October 29-30...they are:

Montana Anderson	Brianne Giddis
Austin Barth	Nick Hirschenberger
Claire Bergin	Jerome Horton
Nicole Blakkan-Esser	Lauren Klaft
Dalton Bouschor	Madeline Merwin
Nick Burns	Camellia Minervini
Kirsten Campbell	Emily O'Leary
Ashley Croff	Kailey Rubinas
Delaney Drake	Allison Shaughnessy
Sabrina Eisner	Hayden Talbot
Jack Ensign	Katelyn Zeits

Best of luck to all of you!

BUS PASSES
Bus passes are issued for emergency purposes only. If your child must ride on another bus, please send a note to the main office requesting the pass on the day it is needed before 12:00 p.m. (we must have this in writing or we will not be able to issue a buss pass). When requesting a bus pass we need the following information: first and last name, grade, wing, parent/guardian name, phone number, date or dates bus pass is needed; name, address and route number of the student your child is going home with. When possible please use the bus pass form that is located on the WMS website.

Just a reminder….
Due to lack of funding we do not offer after school care for West Middle School students. Because there is no supervision after 2:37 p.m. we are asking that children either take the bus home or are picked right after school dismissed at 2:37 p.m. Thanks for helping us keep your children safe.

School Nurse
This year we have a school nurse, Liisa Szarapski, who will be here all day on Tuesday, Wednesday morning and Thursday. Please feel free to contact the nurse regarding any medical issue your child might have at 231-933-5613 if she is not available leave a message and she will get back with you.

Share Your Feedback

Parents and students are invited to share feedback on their LEAP experience. Click on the appropriate link below to begin a short survey:

Parent Feedback Survey

Student End of Season Participation Survey 

• Basketball, Boys
• Basketball, Girls  Extension League Begins Oct. 15th
  Register Now!
• Cross-Country
• Dance
• Fitness & Conditioning
• Flag Football
• Floor Hockey
• Indoor Soccer
• Tennis, Boys
• Tennis, Girls
• Track & Field, Co-ed 
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

   

• Basketball, Boys
• Basketball, Girls
• Cross-Country
• Football
• Softball
• Track & Field, Co-ed 
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

   

TC West Middle School Art Students Place in National Cherry Festival Art Poster Contest
Several TC West Middle School students recently participated in a youth art poster contest for students in 6th through 8th grade, hosted by the National Cherry Festival Organization. TC West Middle School Art Teacher Adam VanHouten proudly shared, “All of the students who placed in this art competition, were from TC West Middle School.” The competition results are as follows:

Lily Ankerson (8th Grade): 1st Place

Claire Roelofs (6th Grade): 2nd Place

Jack Ensign (8th Grade): 3rd Place

Clay Cook (7th Grade): Honorable Mention

Vaughn Nguyen (6th Grade): Honorable Mention

Brooke Ostrowski (6th Grade): Honorable Mention

A reception and public display of all of the art submissions was recently held at the Hagerty Center, Great Lakes Campus, where the students were commended for their fine work.

Theatre Arts Class
6th hour Intro to Play Production Presents:
"NO BODY TO MURDER" in the Little Theatre on the following dates:

Friday, May 11, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

Friday, May 18, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

6th Grade Intro to Theatre will present their semester projects during class and resource periods in the Little Theatre on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 22

Wednesday, May 23

Thursday, May 24

Join WMS LEGO Robotics Club!
The West Middle School LEGO Robotics Club still has a number of spots open. Students have until Tuesday, May 8, to join. If your child is interested, please contact Mr. Angelo Vozza at 933-0130 or Mr. Andy Hayes at 933-8320.

West Middle School Students Make it to the National History Day Competition
This year’s competition will be held in Maryland in June! This year's theme is Revolution, Reaction and Reforms in History.

Reid Bailey and Jake Long, Documentary, 1919 World Series Black Sox Scandal'  2nd place - group documentary category!! Going to Maryland!!

Zoe Larson and Kylie McDonald, Website, 'Elvis Presley: The King of the Rock n' Roll Revolution'   These girls are alternates for the group website category - and may attend nationals.

McKenzie and Matt Ankerson My Grandfather, My Hero, Our Freedom  This brother and sister team won a special prize for use of family history in this year's theme!

History of this competition ~ began with the entire 8th grade class creating exhibits, websites, documentaries, papers, or performances to showcase their research of primary and secondary sources around a specific theme. From this group, about thirty projects moved on to represent West Middle School at the National History Day District Competition. Very impressive efforts by all participants that day! Last Saturday, some top finishers were invited to CMU to participate in the State Competition!! West Middle School again was very well represented at this event!!

Project Greenagers
On May 17th, the 8th grade class is participating in our second annual community service project called Project Greenagers. Each 8th grade team will be working with a different community organization on projects that service our local natural resources. Through this project we hope to nurture a sense of stewardship and personal pride in our 8th grade students by providing them the opportunity to serve our community in a hands-on way and to connect this experience to our classroom curriculum. In addition, all students will have the opportunity to visit one of our area’s amazing natural resources. Donations to support this project are appreciated. If you have any questions, please call Tara DenHerder at 933-8323.

Eighth Grade Bon Voyage Celebration
On May 25, the eighth graders will be having their Bon Voyage Celebration (end of the year party for 8th grade).

450 Seedlings Plant - Earth Day Project

 
Yellow Team students prepared over 450 seedlings to be planted by WMS students and staff. Some reasons we think planting trees is important.... prevents soil erosion, prevents water pollution, helps recharge ground water.
 

Students Traveling to Spain
We have a wonderful opportunity for our West and East side schools to travel together to Spain in November. We are traveling to Spain in November 2012 to visit Barcelona, Madrid, Costa del Sol, Granada and and Sevilla. This trip will be especially rewarding for our Spanish students. It is open to any student (current grades 8-12) who may be interested in experiencing another culture. Speaking the language is not a requirement to participate.

We already have several students enrolled, but still have space for more travelers. If you are interested in learning about this amazing opportunity, there will be an informational meeting: Wednesday, May 9th, at East Middle School in the Library from 6 – 7 p.m. Information will be shared about the trip, our goals, and you will receive a fund-raising packet to help pay for your child's travel.

If you have any questions or would like more information about our trip to Spain, please contact Tamara Batcha at batchata@tcaps.net. We hope to see you at the meeting to discuss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Music Highlights
The WMS Music Department trip to Michigan Adventure is on June 2nd.

The WMS bands participated in State Band Festival on Thursday, May 3rd, in Manistee...CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT JOB BAND STUDENTS!! West Middle School was well represented once again thanks to the fine job of all band members.

Student of the Month Celebration
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to be April Students of the Month:

Sydney McCombs, Charlotte Groleau, Maddie Parker, Dana Kilinski, Brian Wagoner, Levent Simionescu, Calvin Lautner, Matt Anderson, Maddie Snable

Fall 2012 Registration
Registration for 2012/2013 school year will be held Wednesday, August 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Thursday, August 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During registration, students receive their schedules, lockers, student parent/emergency information sheet for review and update as necessary, and student pictures. TCAPS information regarding the lunch program and bus route information will be available in the Titan cafeteria as well.

In order to get off to a smooth start for our next school year, we need parents who are willing to work a 2 to 3 hour shift for registration in August.

To volunteer, please contact the following grade wing offices:

Andrea Delgiudice
6th/South Wing
933-8220
delgiudian@tcaps.net

Mandi Furstenberg
7th/West Wing
933-8300
furstenbma@tcaps.net

Jill Hale
8th/North Wing
933-8260
haleji@tcaps.net

 The success of our fall registration is largely dependent upon parent volunteers.

WMS Green School
WMS received the "Michigan Green Schools" award again this year. We are now at Emerald status. Michigan Green Schools is a way to help Michigan achieve environmental goals through its schools. The schools look at the 20 points of educational environmental activities, and tries to achieve as many as possible. If any school in Michigan achieves ten of these points within an academic year, it receives official Michigan Green School status. Here at WMS we have achieved EMERALD status, which is going beyond the 10 point requirement (we achieved 15 points).

Donations Accepted
Donations of crutches, ace bandages, and wheelchairs are always accepted in the P.E. department and nurse's office! If you have any of these items that you no longer need, please consider donating them to WMS!!! Any questions email brownlo@tcaps.net or call 933-8340.

We are once again in need of large and extra large boys shorts! All that we had have been taken and kept by needy kids or never returned to the "to-be-washed" barrel. I have already scoured the lost and found pile.

Please look around at home or if you happen to be shopping at Goodwill, Women's Resource, or garage sales and find some inexpensive shorts to purchase, keep a receipt and we will reimburse you!!!!

Tutoring
Tutoring by WMS certified teachers is available free of charge in the Library every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM.

The Bullycide Project - May 22, 6:00 PM

 
The Bullycide Project is a play based on the book Bullycide in America, written by mothers who have lost a child to suicide due to excessive bullying. The play chronicles stories of bullycide, as well as additional stories from the perspectives of the bully, the bystander, the person who stands up to bullying, and the parents.

The play is showing at Lars Hockstad Auditorium, Central Grade School, 301 W. 7th Street. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Show starts at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Orchard Creek Assisted Living on Cherry Bend Road, The Copy Shop on 8th Street, and Floor Covering B rokers on South Airport Road.

Proceeds from this event will benefit TCAPS anti-bullying initiatives. Contact Dale Chilcote at dale@orchardcreektc.com or visit www.thebullycideproject.com for more information.

Box Top for Education Program
Each Box Top coupon is worth 10¢ for our school. You can clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products. Box Tops has helped America's schools earn over $250 million in the past 12 years. Your school can earn up to $60,000 every year – that's as much as $20,000 from each of these three easy ways to earn. For more information go to their website at www.boxtops4education.com.

You can make a difference for your school every time you shop for groceries! Just clip the Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products and send them to WMS.

Grand Slam for TCAPS – 1st Annual Wuerfel Park Fundraiser for TCAPS K-12 Sports: Saturday, July 28, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Come join the fun at Wuerfel Park on Saturday, July 28th, and help raise funds for TCAPS sports programs. Enjoy carnival games, sports clinics, and a silent auction at this rain or shine event. Tickets are only $5.00. Every ticket is an entry for the Grand Slam Grand Prize! A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to TCAPS K-12 sports as well as 100% of the silent auction proceeds. Call 231.943.0100 for more information or to order your tickets today! Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.

LEAP INFORMATION FOR 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE IN PLACE BY 8/1/12. CHECK tcwtitans.com FOR UPDATES

FYI … there are two local sources of low-cost health care for local families who cannot afford regular doctor visits, sports physicals, etc. The Youth Health and Wellness Center at the TBA - 922-6416 and K-Town in Kingsley 263-5895.

Traverse City West Senior High School 2102 Titan Boys’ Summer Basketball Camp, June 18 – 21. For more information, contact: Titan’s Varsity Coach Brett Graham at 933-8275 or email grahambr@tcaps.net.

Summer sports camp brochures are currently available in all wing offices for a variety of sports throughout the area. Titan and Trojan sports camp registration forms can also be completed online through the Central and West Senior High schools' websites or at www.tcaps.net/summerprograms..

To register, pay online, or for additional information for any LEAP program, please visit www.tcaps.net/LEAP. Scholarships are available to those with specific financial needs. For additional questions please contact the LEAP office at 231-933-1758 or 231-933-1722.

CHECK TRACK HOTLINE FOR LAST MINUTE CHANGES (WEATHER ISSUES, DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL TIMES FROM AWAY MEETS, ETC..) – 933-8251 - This is an outgoing message only!!! Best way to contact Coach Brown is by email – brownlo@tcaps.net or call 933-8340 during school hours (7:30 a.m. – 2:37 p.m.).

TRACK & FIELD CURRENT Meet Schedule:

5/9 Petoskey @ EMS
4:00 PM (6th graders from WMS; EMS 6th, 7th & 8th)

5/10 WMS and Alpena @ Cadillac
4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

5/14 Elementary All City Meet @ TCC TRACK
(EMS & WMS 6th Graders only)

5/15 Elementary All City Meet@ TCC TRACK
(EMS & WMS 6th Graders only)

5/16 Elementary All City Meet@ TCC TRACK
(EMS & WMS 6th Graders only) (6th Grade season over)

5/17 WMS @ EMS
4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

5/24 BNC Final
(WMS, EMS, Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena) @ Cadillac - 1:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

All meets begin at 4:00 PM with the exception of the 4/28 Benzie Invite, the Elem. ALL CITY 5/14-16 (6TH Grade) and the BNC finals on 5/24 (7th & 8th Grade only)

Donations Accepted
Donations of crutches, ace bandages, and wheelchairs are always accepted in the P.E. department and nurse's office! If you have any of these items that you no longer need, please consider donating them to WMS!!! Any questions email brownlo@tcaps.net or call 933-8340.

We are once again in need of large and extra large boys shorts! All that we had have been taken and kept by needy kids or never returned to the "to-be-washed" barrel. I have already scoured the lost and found pile.

Please look around at home or if you happen to be shopping at Goodwill, Women's Resource, or garage sales and find some inexpensive shorts to purchase, keep a receipt and we will reimburse you!!!!

Low-Cost Health Care
Just an FYI that there are 2 sources of low-cost health care for local families who cannot afford regular doctor visits, sports physicals, etc..

• Youth Health & Wellness Center at TBA , 922-6416
• K-Town in Kingsley, 263-5895

Student Activity Highlights
Eighth Grade Student Council is doing another Coffee Cafe for the cars in the drop off line on the morning of April 20th. All proceeds will go to benefit our new recycling programs. We are hoping to raise $500.

Theatre Arts Class
6th hour Intro to Play Production Presents:

• "NOBODY TO MURDER"
  Cast 1, May 11, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
  Cast 2 May 18, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM

All performances in the Little Theatre Adults $2 at the door, no charge for students

Fall 2012 Registration
Registration for 2012/2013 school year will be held Wednesday, August 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Thursday, August 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During registration, students receive their schedules, lockers, student parent/emergency information sheet for review and update as necessary, and student pictures. TCAPS information regarding the lunch program and bus route information will be available in the Titan cafeteria as well.

In order to get off to a smooth start for our next school year, we need parents who are willing to work a 2 to 3 hour shift for registration in August.

To volunteer, please contact the following grade wing offices:

• Andrea Delgiudice
  6th/South Wing
  933-8220
  delgiudian@tcaps.net

• Mandi Furstenberg
  7th/West Wing
  933-8300
  furstenbma@tcaps.net

• Jill Hale
  8th/North Wing
  933-8260
  haleji@tcaps.net

The success of our fall registration is largely dependent upon parent volunteers.

WMS Green School
WMS received the "Michigan Green Schools" award again this year. We are now at Emerald status. Michigan Green Schools is a way to help Michigan achieve environmental goals through its schools. The schools look at the 20 points of educational environmental activities, and tries to achieve as many as possible. If any school in Michigan achieves ten of these points within an academic year, it receives official Michigan Green School status. Here at WMS we have achieved EMERALD status, which is going beyond the 10 point requirement (we achieved 15 points).

Music Highlights
Corson Concert is April 19, 7:00 PM...Corson Auditorium on the Campus of The Interlochen Arts Academy

Congratulations to the following students for participating in the MSBOA Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival in Boyne City on April 14:

• Claire Bergin
• Bailey Bell
• Nicole Blakkan-Esser
• Zach Dittenbir
• Brianne Giddis
• Camellia Minervini
• Maeeline Merwin
• Madison Porter
• Jared Swanson

Student of the Month Celebration
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to be March Students of the Month:

• Daniel Ayling
• Kirsten Campbell
• Jon-Michael Clark
• Cole Gross
• Natalie Hammond
• Lauren Leslie
• Anna Morgan
• Will Stevens
• Isaac Williamson

Tutoring
Tutoring by WMS certified teachers is available free of charge in the Library every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM.

Box Top for Education Program
Each Box Top coupon is worth 10¢ for our school. You can clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products. Box Tops has helped America's schools earn over $250 million in the past 12 years. Your school can earn up to $60,000 every year – that's as much as $20,000 from each of these three easy ways to earn. For more information go to their website at www.boxtops4education.com.

You can make a difference for your school every time you shop for groceries! Just clip the Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products and send them to WMS.

LEAP Sports Update
There is still time to sign up for Grades 6-8 Flag Football. Registration and payment deadline is Friday, April 20. Practice begins Tuesday, May 1. Cost is $50 per student. Visit the Web site for information on practices and Jamboree.

To register, pay online, or for additional information for any LEAP program, please visit www.tcaps.net/LEAP. Registration deadlines are final. No late registrations will be accepted. Scholarships are available to those with specific financial needs. For additional questions please contact the LEAP office at 231-933-1758 or 231-933-1722.

WMS TRACK AND FIELD
Track Practices are underway and the athletes are doing great!!! Practices are Monday – Thursday after school until 4:30 p.m., (field event participants can stay as late as 5:00 p.m.) Friday practices until 4:00 p.m. – not mandatory, but all are encouraged to attend, especially anyone who would like to participate in pole vault, high jump, long jump, shot put and hurdles. Field event practices also offered on select Saturdays at WSH.

CHECK TRACK HOTLINE FOR LAST MINUTE CHANGES (WEATHER ISSUES, DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL TIMES FROM AWAY MEETS, ETC..) – 933-8251 - This is an outgoing message only!!! Best way to contact Coach Brown is by email – brownlo@tcaps.net or call 933-8340 during school hours (7:30 a.m. – 2:37 p.m.).

CURRENT Meet Schedule:

• 4/19 HOME MEET vs Petoskey
  4:00 PM (6th graders from EMS; all of WMS team) Parent Volunteers please arrive at 3:30 PM if possible
• 4/26 HOME MEET vs Cadillac
  4:00 PM (6th graders from EMS & WMS 6th, 7th & 8th) Parent Volunteers please arrive at 3:30 PM if possible
• 4/28 Benzie Invitational
  Time TBA (EMS & WMS 6th, 7th & 8th graders)
• 5/1 EMS and WMS @ Cadillac
  4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)
• 5/9 Petoskey @ EMS
  4:00 PM (6th graders from WMS; EMS 6th, 7th & 8th)
• 5/10 WMS and Alpena @ Cadillac
  4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)
• 5/14 Elementary All City Meet @ TCC TRACK
  (EMS & WMS 6th Graders only)
• 5/15 Elementary All City Meet@ TCC TRACK
  (EMS & WMS 6th Graders only)

• 5/16 Elementary All City Meet@ TCC TRACK
  (EMS & WMS 6th Graders only) (6th Grade season over)

• 5/17 WMS @ EMS
  4:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

• 5/24 BNC Final
  (WMS, EMS, Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena) @ Cadillac - 1:00 PM (7th and 8th graders only)

All meets begin at 4:00 PM with the exception of the 4/28 Benzie Invite, the Elem. ALL CITY 5/14-16 (6TH Grade) and the BNC finals on 5/24 (7th & 8th Grade only) TCAPS will provide transportation to meets at Cadillac, otherwise parents are responsible for all transportation

February Students of the Month
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to be February Students of the Month:

Hannah Suski, Grace Thomas, Zach Okma, Alisha Gresock, Olivia Coolman, Alex Gloshen, Ben Dierking, Kadison Sayre, and Kim Anderson

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Spring parent/teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, March 8, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This is a good time to catch up on what has been going on with your child. Hope to see you there.

Spelling Bee
We had six students who participated in the Grand Traverse County Spelling Bee. All of them did a wonderful job representing WMS in February! Congratulations to:

Jonah Tanis, Andrew Gillings, Chase Albrecht, Jillian Avis,    Sasha Schusterbrown, and Liliya Burden

A special congratulation goes to Jillian Avis and Jonah Tanis who will be moving on to regional spelling bee competition!

MathCounts Team
The West Middle School MathCounts team competed at the Regional MathCounts competition on February 11, at Petoskey Middle School. Team members include Melissa Bush, Gillian Gahn, Robby Parsons, and Dante Vozza. Dante Vozza, 7th grader, finished in 6th place overall! Congratulations to all the Mathletes who worked hard to prepare for the competition.

Michigan Youth Arts
Congratulations Black Team! Michigan Youth Arts, on behalf of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs awarded an Arts & Culture Trek grant to the black team to visit the Michigan Legacy Art Park on May 31. “This activity is supported by Michigan Youth Arts and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.”

Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative Grant


On Tuesday, February 14th, Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative (GTSI) Program Coordinator Lorraine Austin presented West Middle School Principal Pam Alfieri and teachers, Melanie Cypher and Linda Barker, with a mini-grant award in the amount of $758.50.

TC West Middle School 6th grade teachers Melanie Cypher and Linda Barker applied for the GTSI grant, available to groups or individuals whose projects address local water-related issues through place-based education. The 6th grade classes will use the grant funds for field trips, nets for water quality testing, and publishing of student reflections from the ecology unit of study.

Ms. Cypher stated, “I am excited to be a part of the Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative. My hopes are that our participation with GTSI will have a positive impact on our students this year and for many years to come.” She finished, “I would like to instill in my students, a sense of how their environment influences every aspect of their lives.”

Career Day
The 8th grade class and staff would like to thank all of the local business people who participated in Career Day on March 1. These people gave their time to help our 8th students learn skills on applying and interviewing for future jobs. Together we can all make a difference in these children’s lives.

TBA Tech Center
The entire 8th grade class will be visiting TBA Career Tech Center on Tuesday, March 6. Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Career-Tech Center is a secondary career and technical education center serving more than twenty-five public and private high schools and approximately 1,100 students in the five-county Traverse Bay region. Students receive training in twenty-one occupational programs utilizing cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment. It is the mission of the Career-Tech Center to prepare students with skills and learning experiences for employment and life-long learning. CTC students move into immediate job placement and/or additional post-secondary training in technical schools, colleges and universities, or the U.S. military.

GO GREEN!!!!
New recycling bins have been placed in classrooms throughout the school, blue for paper, green for plastic. Please remind you student to do their part to help the environment by recycling. Thank you to the Student Council members who will be collecting twice a week!

Challenge Bullying - Create a Safe Community
Tuesday, March 14, has been designated to promote anti-bullying. There will be school-wide activities throughout the day.

On March 16, Youth leaders from the 8th grade will attend a conference, Building Bridges through Music, to discuss bullying curriculum and to translate the curriculum into a dramatic presentation to share with other students. A Michigan State Police Detective will also discuss Cyber Bullying and the Law.

Odyssey of the Mind
West Middle School has an OM team participating in the March 3rd regional competition. The students who are on the team are: Zachariah Dittenbir-7, Drew Daenzer-7, Kristian Humphrey-6, Anja Ignace-7, Avery Schroetenboer-7, Meghan Hurd-7, and Amy Kase-7.

Music Highlights
TCAPS Local Solo & Ensemble is March 10, at WMS.

Congratulations to Katrina Basel, Nick Burns, Drew Daenzer, & Delaney Drake for being accepted to participate in the MSBOA Middle School Honor Band in East Jordan on March 14.

Choir Notes
In January, 18 soloists and one ensemble, the WMS Madrigal Singers, participated in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District 2 Solo and Ensemble Festival held at West Senior High School. The Madrigal Singers received an “Excellent” rating. Congratulations to all participants!

On February 14th, the WMS 8th Grade Treble Choir participated in the first Virtual Clinic Session using Polycom web conferencing software. This is a groundbreaking experience for WMS students, and we hope to continue to bring experts from great distances into our classrooms at low cost regularly in the future.

Four choirs totaling 270 students participated in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association District 2 Choral Festival on Wednesday, February 22, at Benzie Central High School.

Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held March 1-9 in the school library. The Fair will be open during school hours and also during the March 8th Parent/Teacher Conferences.

SCI-MA-TECH Information

The Program: SCI-MA-TECH offers students enhanced opportunities in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. SCI-MA-TECH inspires and challenges students through an individualized and integrated curriculum. SCI-MA-TECH has a rigorous curriculum that engages students through participation in exciting and innovative explorations designed to fully prepare them for success in post-secondary education and beyond.

SCI-MA-TECH is based at Traverse City Central High School. Students join SCI-MA-TECH as freshmen and participate in the program for four years earning six trimesters of credit each year in math, science and technology. SCI-MA-TECH students also visit colleges and businesses, hear from speakers, conduct authentic research, complete an internship, and participate in extracurricular activities such as the FIRST Robotics Competition and underwater ROV building competition.

Why Join SCI-MA-TECH?

Take unique classes taught by outstanding teachers

 

Learn by doing not by watching

 

Pursue your passions with support and encouragement of SCI-MA-TECH staff

 

Conduct authentic research using state of the art equipment

 

Present your research at the Northern Michigan Mathematics, Engineering and Science Symposium and other state and national science fairs

 

Join a school within a school and form great friendships with students with similar interests and goals

 

Internship in a career area of student’s choice

 

Participate in extracurricular activities such as SCI-MA-TECH’s FIRST Robotics Team #1711, The Raptors

 

Compete in national competitions such as the American Math Contest, the USA Biology Olympiad, and the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

 

Follow in the footsteps of SCI-MA-TECH alumni and attend colleges such as University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, United States Naval Academy, West Point, University of Michigan, MSU, Grand Valley State University, Rose-Hulman Institute, Cornell, and Michigan Tech.

Admissions: Admission to SCI-MA-TECH is not based solely on academic achievement. Interest and commitment are major factors in the selection process. SCI-MA-TECH is open to all Grand Traverse area students. Students complete an application during the spring of their 8th grade year. An interview with members of the SCI-MA-TECH staff is part of the selection process. Applications this year is due March 16, 2012 and can be found by going to www.tcaps.net/chs. For more information contact Toby Tisdale, SCI-MA-TECH Director at 231-933-3521 or tisdaleto@tcaps.net.

SCI-MA-TECH Classes:

*Students in AT math as 7th and 8th graders will take Honors Algebra II as freshmen, Trig/Pre-Calc as sophomores, AP Calculus AB or BC as juniors and Calculus III or AP Statistics as seniors.

Tenth Annual Teacher and Parent Education Series
On March 6, Northern Michigan Psychiatric Services will deliver a presentation on “Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children and Adolescents” from Dr. Sander Weckstein, Board Certified Child, Adolescent, and General Psychiatrist. The presentation will run from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the TC Central High School Library Media Center, 1150 Milliken Drive, All presentations are open to the public and are free of charge. Please call Northern Michigan Psychiatric Service, P.C. at 231-935-0355 for more information.

Student Count Day – February 8th
Every school day is important to your child’s learning! Count Day on Wednesday, February 8th, determines funding amounts, based on student attendance, that help schools pay for many academic programs and services. Help your school by being in school on Count Day. In the event school is closed on Feb. 8th, then count day will take place on the following school day.

West Middle School Receives Grant
West Middle School is the proud recipient of a $500 Educational Advancement Award from the Michigan Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. It will allow for the purchase and placement of different rock types along the existing walking trail extensions on or connecting to the school grounds. The boulders will promote the study of water quality and Great Lakes rock formations for students at our school.

The grant was written during the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, which was a year-long study resulting in rain garden enhancements onsite. The participating teachers were: Mrs. Barker, Mr. Vance, Mrs. Taplin, Ms. Cypher, and Mr. March. As additional connections to the trail system near WMS continue, additional improvements are planned. Questions can be referred to any of the teachers involved in the ongoing project.

Lego League at WMS
On Saturday, December 3rd, at the Lego by the Bay Qualifying Tournament, the TC Terror Lego League team comprised of students from Traverse City West Middle School, TCAPS’ Montessori at Glenn Loomis, and Central Grade School, won the tournament championship. In addition to winning the Championship, the TC Terror scored a perfect 4 on the Research Project and Presentation.

TC Terror Team (pictured above):
Aaron Begelow, Alex Endresen, Anna Endresen, Seth Gallagher, Andrew Gillings, Jeremy Hower, Dante Vozza, Angelo Vozza, Massimo Vozza, Ross Williamson

The TC Terror team, and Traverse City East Middle School’s team, Imagination, advanced to the Flint LEGO Championship Tournament, which was held on Saturday, December 10th, at Carmen-Ainsworth Middle School in Flint, Michigan.

West Middle School Spelling Bee Winners

First Place: Jillian Avis, Second Place: Sasha Schusterbrown, Third Place: Jonah Tanis, Fourth Place: Shanna Hilborn, Fifth Place: Andrew Gillings, Sixth Place: Liliya Burden, and Alternate: Chase Albrect.

American Cancer Society Fundraiser A Success!
WMS students and Jacob's Corn Maze raised over $5,500 dollars for the American Cancer Society. Teachers and students who collected more then 100 dollars in pledges received a t-shirt.

Pictured from left to right: Back Row (Shawna Asher, Nathan Stephens, Dante Vozzo, Charlotte Groleau, Darius Johnson, Jack Boyce, Alexis Reames-Conklin, Kaylee Walters, Kalyn Peterson, Rachel Howse, and Blake Vance) Bottom Row (Keyanna Garvin, Ashley Edmondson, Nona Tsuber, Jared Kraft, Jacob Carruth) Not Pictured (Long Lake Elementary Ella Flores, Central Grade School Hunter Beach and M'lynn Beach, West Middle School Hannah Ellery)

Band News
7th & 8th grade WMS Band students participated in bringing live music and Holiday Spirit to underprivileged children and families at the Salvation Army facility on Barlow Ave. here in Traverse City!! 

Our students dressed in holiday attire and shared their musical talents playing holiday songs, while homeless and underprivileged families made Christmas cookies and had a visit from Santa.  

We are VERY PROUD of our students; if you get the chance please give them an extra pat on the back for giving of their time and talent to these special families. Listed below are the students who participated:

7th Grade
Austin Barth	Charlotte Groleau
Bailey Bell	Camellia Minervini
Claire Bergin	Lukas Sawusch
Chase Boyle	Nick Schwert
Sophia Crellin	Maddy Snable
Zach Dittenbir	Hayden Talbot
Paige Forrester	Katie Zeits
Nora Galligan	Nate Zokas
8th Grade
McKenzie Ankerson	Willy Hutchinson
Kirsten Campbell	Danny Merchant
Ashley Croff	Abby Moyes
Charlotte DeHaven	Kailey Rubinas
Brianne Giddis	Allison Shaughnessy
Nick Hirschenberger	Sarah VanSipe
Jeremy Hower	Noah Weichert
Joe Hughes

When should I keep my child home from school?
Whenever a child complains of not feeling well on a school day, parents are faced with the decision of whether or not to send the youngster to school. How do you make the right choice? Generally speaking, if a child is sick, he/she should NOT come to school.

If you child is vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, has a rash, sore throat or running a fever of 100 or greater, please keep your child home for at least twenty-four hours or until he/she is completely recovered. Should a child become ill during the school day, parents will be contacted to take him/her home.

The Communicable Disease Chart located in the TCAPS student handbook is a valuable resource for you to use in making this decision.

If a youngster is sick, but you feel he/she can come to school as long as they stay inside or don’t participate in PE, PLEASE RECONSIDER: A STUDENT WELL ENOUGH TO ATTEND SCHOOL WILL BE CONSIDERED WELL ENOUGH TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES.

Reporting Illness: Please report to school when your child is out of school due to the following symptoms: chills, fatigue, FEVER (temperature over 100), sore throat, cough or muscle aches. 

Peer Tutoring Program

WMS recently instituted a Peer Tutoring Program -- made up of students tutoring fellow students. The one-on-one sessions take place during Resource period in the cafeteria, and tutoring is available in all subject areas (including organizational and study skills help). Approximately 80 of the tutors are students in the National Junior Honor Society Program, who will be fulfilling part of their service requirements. Paul Crowley, 8th grade counselor, manages both the Peer Tutoring Program and NJHS – please contact him for further information. Also see WMS NJHS web page for more information.

Parent Volunteer Opportunity for Tutoring Program

We are in need of parent volunteers for our Peer Tutoring Program to help supervise the students. These sessions currently take place 3 times per week (Tues, Weds, & Thurs) during the resource period (1:50 - 2:40pm) in the cafeteria. This could be for as little as 1-2 hours per semester -- or we would very much welcome any parents who would like to volunteer more regularly.

We’ve created a very simple way to sign up online to be a volunteer. Using a web-based scheduling calendar, parents will be able to see all of the available volunteer time slots. With a few quick clicks, you can sign up for a one-hour volunteer shift. You’ll even be emailed an automatic reminder 2 days in advance!

Click here for the Peer Tutoring Volunteer Sign Up Calendar

The support of our families is sincerely appreciated, and contributes greatly to the success of our school!

PURPLE TEAM PROVIDES COMMUNITY SERVICE
Listed below is a community project that the Purple Team has planned:

Hat Day Fundraiser
One day a Chemo patient told everyone she was having a great day. That morning she received four bags of food so her family could have a Thanksgiving Dinner. She couldn’t work and while her husband was employed it was not enough to support their family of five growing boys. Whenever you think you have it bad, you can always find someone who has it worse.

I’ve never forgotten that experience so when my college roommate explained how her Seventh Grade Math students provided Thanksgiving Dinner for the needy each year, I was interested.

The purple team will be looking at nutrition, appropriate food choices and portion sizes to create a healthy menu and grocery list. The teams armed with their grocery list and budget will walk to Meijer to purchase the food. Each team will have to spend only what is given to them so they will have to really watch the choices they make while still buying everything on the list. After all the groceries are paid for and the students walk back to school, some wonderful parents will pick up the groceries and deliver them to school. With the help of Mrs. Alfieri, the food will be given to the families that need it the most.

On October 28, we held HAT DAY for all WMS students and teachers who wanted to participate and help raise funds for this worthy cause. All participants paid $1.00 for the privilege to wear a hat all day. We are excited to report that the Purple Team raised approximately $425. This money will be used for our Meijer shopping trip to buy Thanksgiving Dinner food for families in need. Thank you to all who participated!

FROM THE NURSING DEPARTMENT

When should I keep my child home from school?

Whenever a child complains of not feeling well on a school day, parents are faced with the decision of whether or not to send their child to school. How do you make the right choice? Generally speaking, if a child is sick, he/she should NOT come to school.

If you child is vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, has a rash, sore throat, or running a fever of 100 or greater, please keep your child home for at least twenty-four hours or until he/she is completely recovered. Should a child become ill during the school day, parents will be contacted to take him/her home.

The Communicable Disease Chart located in the TCAPS student handbook is a valuable resource for you to use in making this decision.

If a youngster is sick, but you feel he/she can come to school as long as they stay inside or don’t participate in PE, PLEASE RECONSIDER: A STUDENT WELL ENOUGH TO ATTEND SCHOOL WILL BE CONSIDERED WELL ENOUGH TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES. Reporting Illness: Please report to the school when your child is out of school due to the following symptoms: chills, fatigue, FEVER (temperature over 100), sore throat, cough, or muscle aches.

LOST AND FOUND
Items of clothing, books, lunch boxes, etc. are accumulating in all grade wings, the cafeterias, and the boys and girls locker rooms. All items not claimed by Winter Break, December 22, will be recycled into the PE Department or donated to charity.

SKI SALE
The Annual Grand Traverse Ski Club sale will be held at West Middle School Saturday, November 12, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Time slot tickets, on a first-come first serve basis, will be handed out beginning at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning. If you want to sell equipment, drop off time is Friday, November 11, between 5:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. New this year - you can register your items to sell online and take the "fast lane" on Friday evening to drop off your equipment. Pick up money or unsold equipment on Sunday from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Any questions, contact the G. T. Ski Club. This is not a TCAPS sponsored event.

MATH CLUB
West Middle School’s Math Club will be meeting on Thursdays from 2:40 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in room 315. For more information or if your child is interested in signing up, please contact Mrs. Taplin at 933-8273 or email her at taplinma@tcaps.net.

A NOTE FROM EIGHTH GRADE STUDENT COUNCIL
During the weeks of October 31 and November 7, the 8th grade class at West Middle School is running a Virtual Book Drive through the United Way for all 13 of our TCAPS elementary schools. This type of drive is done completely online. This website explains the process and purpose of the Virtual Book Drive: http://www.firstbook.org/unitedway  

Oh and I forgot to mention that this United Way Virtual Book Drive program is so new that we are the first school in the whole state of Michigan to do it!

Please listen for a radio commercial from our student council kids. A couple of eighth graders went to the WTCM office to cut a radio commercial for the book drive. It will air on a couple of local radio stations.

The United Way and our school district believe that a book drive can make a difference in our community. Kids who don’t have books – or an adult reading with them – don’t read as well. And kids who don’t read well don’t do well in school. Children who aren’t strong readers by the end of third grade are four times as likely to drop out of high school. Books and interactive reading help build reading skills – and academic success.

The United Way can purchase books for $2.50 apiece, which means that if each of our 8th grade WMS families donated $5 we could raise over $2000 and provide over 800 books to kids right in our community! We are asking that sometime before November 11, please go online and make a donation.

You can donate by clicking here to access the web site listed above and then “Choose to donate to an existing fund.” Just enter TCAPS in the search engine and the system will show the three different 8th grade teams at West Middle School. Choose a team and make your donation.

At the end of our 2-week drive the United Way will take all of the funds raised and purchase books for our elementary schools from a wish list the schools have compiled. Then, on November 23, all 407 West Middle School 8th grade students will participate in a Day of Action where we will travel to our elementary schools and read books to the students there.

We are really excited about having the opportunity to give back to our elementary schools and help promote the power of reading in all our students! Thank you so much for your support!

Questions or comments? Please contact 8th grade Student Council Advisor, Tara DenHerder, at 933-8323.

VASA SKI CLUB JR PROGRAM
(Formerly the Traverse Junior Nordic Ski Club) meets Tuesdays and Thursdays Jan. 10-Mar. 1, 3:30 PM-5:30 PM at Timber Ridge. Just $75 for the season; includes a one way bus ride to Timber Ridge immediately after school, trail pass, snack, and on-site instruction with coaches. Store your cross-country skiing equipment at Timber Ridge or rent it for only $40 for the season. Beginners to advanced skiers are invited to join the outdoor winter fun. Download the registration and waiver forms from; vasaskiclub.com or call John Pflughoeft (946-2588) if you have questions.

CONGRATULATIONS WMS BAND STUDENTS
22 WMS band students will audition for the Michigan Middle School All-State Band on October 29-30...they are:

Montana Anderson	Brianne Giddis
Austin Barth	Nick Hirschenberger
Claire Bergin	Jerome Horton
Nicole Blakkan-Esser	Lauren Klaft
Dalton Bouschor	Madeline Merwin
Nick Burns	Camellia Minervini
Kirsten Campbell	Emily O'Leary
Ashley Croff	Kailey Rubinas
Delaney Drake	Allison Shaughnessy
Sabrina Eisner	Hayden Talbot
Jack Ensign	Katelyn Zeits

Best of luck to all of you!

BUS PASSES
Bus passes are issued for emergency purposes only. If your child must ride on another bus, please send a note to the main office requesting the pass on the day it is needed before 12:00 p.m. (we must have this in writing or we will not be able to issue a buss pass). When requesting a bus pass we need the following information: first and last name, grade, wing, parent/guardian name, phone number, date or dates bus pass is needed; name, address and route number of the student your child is going home with. When possible please use the bus pass form that is located on the WMS website.

Just a reminder….
Due to lack of funding we do not offer after school care for West Middle School students. Because there is no supervision after 2:37 p.m. we are asking that children either take the bus home or are picked right after school dismissed at 2:37 p.m. Thanks for helping us keep your children safe.

School Nurse
This year we have a school nurse, Liisa Szarapski, who will be here all day on Tuesday, Wednesday morning and Thursday. Please feel free to contact the nurse regarding any medical issue your child might have at 231-933-5613 if she is not available leave a message and she will get back with you.

Share Your Feedback

Parents and students are invited to share feedback on their LEAP experience. Click on the appropriate link below to begin a short survey:

Parent Feedback Survey

Student End of Season Participation Survey 

• Basketball, Boys
• Basketball, Girls  Extension League Begins Oct. 15th
  Register Now!
• Cross-Country
• Dance
• Fitness & Conditioning
• Flag Football
• Floor Hockey
• Indoor Soccer
• Tennis, Boys
• Tennis, Girls
• Track & Field, Co-ed 
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

   

• Basketball, Boys
• Basketball, Girls
• Cross-Country
• Football
• Softball
• Track & Field, Co-ed 
• Volleyball
• Wrestling