We hope your Spring Break was filled with joy and relaxation. As we return, we're excited to enter a time of year filled with enriching activities, starting with our Eclipse Viewing Event on April 8th. This will be a unique opportunity for our students and families to come together and witness the wonders of our universe. For event details, please see below. Thank you for your continued support, and welcome back to what promises to be an unforgettable spring at WMAES.
Click Subscribe below at add our WMAES Family Calendar to any calendar app on the device of your choice. You can also click here to visit the calendar page and view information about subscribing.
To Apply: https://preschool.kentisd.org/Apply
To book a tour follow this link: https://calendly.com/wmaesgsrp/
Take a close look at a Day in the Life of a WMAES Preschooler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOZsaENoj78&list=WL&index=1&
Get ready to witness an out-of-this-world experience at WMAES! Mark your calendars for April 8th as we welcome the amazing Maranda for our Eclipse event! Students will head outside with their classes around 2 p.m. to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing stages of the eclipse. Each student will receive a pair of eclipse safety glasses as a keepsake of this extraordinary event!
Classes will be held outdoors during the eclipse, and teachers will guide students back for dismissal at 2:55 p.m. Parents, don’t miss out on this celestial spectacle! Pick up your little astronomers as usual and take a stroll around our campus to witness the final moments of the eclipse. We’ll have a limited supply of extra glasses for those who want to join in on the fun! Stay tuned for more details on how to snag these special glasses. And hey, why not show your eclipse spirit by rocking your WMAES eclipse shirts instead of your regular school uniforms?
Third quarter report cards for elementary students are now available in PowerSchool Parent Portal and were also sent as email attachments to the email address you have on file with us. To access report cards for your students at any time, log in to Parent Portal and click on student reports. Please use the digital signature function in Parent Portal to submit your signature after you've had an opportunity to review the report card. All current and past report cards will remain available on Parent Portal for your reference. If you need help getting started with Parent Portal, please contact the office.
Once each year, students in 3rd grade and above take a high-quality state summative assessment, M-STEP. Summative assessments measure what students know and are able to do at specific grade levels and in specific subject areas. All of these are online assessments that students will take using their Chromebooks. The tests are given to determine where students are in their grade level so teachers and staff can develop customized learning plans for each student. Your child’s teacher will be in contact with you regarding the testing schedule for their classroom. Please review the documents from the Michigan Department of Education linked below for more information concerning Michigan’s required assessments.
Here are some suggested ways to support your student’s preparation for summative assessments:
Remind your student to charge their Chromebook each night before testing and to bring their Chromebook and charger to school.
Make sure your student gets a good night's sleep the night before and eats a healthy breakfast the morning of the test.
Remain positive. Talk to your student about the test and the importance of taking their time and doing their best.
Remind your student that the test results are only used to give you and their teachers information about the progress they have made.
Talk to your child about their experience. What did they learn from the test? How was their experience?
As we approach the M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) testing period, we want to ensure that all students and parents are aware of our policy regarding electronic devices. This policy is designed to maintain the integrity of the testing environment and comply with state testing regulations.
Policy Overview:
During M-STEP testing sessions, students are strictly prohibited from using, wearing, or accessing any personal, non-testing electronic devices. This policy applies not only during the testing period itself but also during any breaks within an active testing session.
Prohibited Devices Include, But Are Not Limited To:
Smartphones and cell phones
Smartwatches
Smart headphones
Headphones that allow access to voice assistant technology
Computers and/or tablets not being actively used for testing purposes
Guidelines:
No Electronic Devices in Testing Rooms: Students are not permitted to bring any electronic devices into the testing rooms. This includes storing devices in pockets, desks, or anywhere on their person.
Storage of Devices: If a student brings an electronic device to the testing location, it must be handed over to the test administrator before the session begins. The devices will be stored securely and returned to students after the testing session concludes.
Responsibility and Compliance: Students and parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy. We ask for your cooperation in discussing the importance of this policy with your child to prevent any misunderstandings or disruptions during testing.
Consequences of Violation: Any student found in possession of an electronic device during the testing session or breaks will be subject to the measures outlined in our student handbook, which may include the invalidation of their test results.
Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work together to uphold the integrity of the M-STEP testing process.
The Mobile Dentist will be on campus April 23-25. Permission forms were sent home last week. A completed permission form needs to be returned by April 9 if you would like your student to be seen by the Mobile Dentist. Thank you!
Join us for a night of strikes, spares, and smiles at our Family Bowling Night! Whether you're a bowling pro or just looking for a fun way to spend time with the family, this event is sure to roll a perfect game for everyone.
When: April 18th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Westgate Bowl
Address: 4486 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
We are thrilled to invite you to our Family Literacy Night and Open House on April 25th, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This special evening is designed for both new and prospective families of West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science to come together, explore, and celebrate the joy of learning.
What to Expect:
Engaging Indoor and Outdoor Activities: We’ve planned a host of fun, educational activities that students can enjoy with their families. It’s a fantastic way to experience the vibrant learning environment at WMAES firsthand!
Tours of Our Campus: For those new to our community or considering joining us, guided tours will be available to give you a comprehensive view of what our academy has to offer.
Invite Your Friends!
Know someone interested in learning more about our school or exploring enrollment for next year? This event is the perfect opportunity for prospective families to get a feel for the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines WMAES. Feel free to invite guests who would love to learn more about our community.
We are excited to announce that open enrollment for the 2024-25 school year is officially open! Now is the perfect opportunity to join our vibrant school community. Open enrollment will continue through April 5. Families are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to ensure space is available.
To secure a space for the upcoming school year, please visit our enrollment page at https://wma-es.com/enroll/. The process is quick and straightforward, but should you need any assistance or have questions, our admissions team is here to help. Feel free to email wmaesoffice@choiceschools.com
Our school community thrives on the diverse and enthusiastic families that make up our academy. Please feel free to share our open enrollment information with families you know who are looking for an exceptional, environmentally focused educational experience for their child. Your referrals help strengthen and enrich our community, and we deeply appreciate your support in sharing the word about our school.
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is more than just a school; we are a family dedicated to creating a sustainable future through quality education. Every family that joins our school brings something unique to our community, and we cherish the opportunity to grow and learn together.
We look forward to welcoming new families and students into our school community and are grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm of our current families. Thank you for sharing the word about our open enrollment and for being such an integral part of our community.
More information and registration at https://wma-es.com/summer-adventure-camp/