Exciting News: WMAES Recognized in Best Schools Lists

We are thrilled to announce that West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science has been named to the U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary Schools 2025 and Best Middle Schools 2025 lists! This recognition highlights the dedication of our students, staff, and families in creating a thriving educational environment. While we eagerly await the release of the high school rankings later this year, this honor reinforces the exceptional work happening at every level of our school.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful for your continued support in making WMAES an outstanding place for learning and growth!

WMAES featured in WZZM13 article and news segment

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is featured in a recent WZZM13 article and news segment exploring the history of Michigan's first charter schools. This piece highlights WMAES's role as one of the first charter schools in the state. We invite families to check it out here and celebrate WMAES's 30-year legacy of education and innovation!

First Quarter Report Cards

First 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.

STANDARDS BASED GRADING REMINDER

The information below serves as a reminder of our Standards Based Grading system at WMAES, ensuring families have the necessary information to effectively interpret report cards.

We use Standards Based Grading to effectively and thoroughly communicate the specific expectations set by the Michigan K-12 State Standards and to measure student growth and achievement relative to these standards. This approach to grading and communicating progress aims to bring substantial benefits to all stakeholders, including students, teachers, and parents/guardians.

Standards Based Grading Overview:

Standards Based Grading empowers students with a clearer understanding of what they are expected to learn according to the Michigan K-12 State Standards. It provides parents with an in-depth view of their child's growth and academic achievements.

Key Details for Parents/Guardians:

Instead of (and in some cases in addition to) traditional letter grades and percentage scores, proficiency scores ranging from 1 to 4 are now employed. These proficiency scores are directly linked to detailed descriptions of what the students are expected to know and be able to do. Teachers provide invaluable feedback to students using these proficiency scores, and your student has multiple opportunities to achieve proficiency (a score of 3) on the standards. Final grades are determined based on the most recent evidence of student learning. In addition to academic proficiency, students receive separate scores for behaviors that promote a positive learning environment.

Proficiency Scale Explanation:

• A score of 1 or 2 when learning a new skill or concept is entirely appropriate and not intended to be punitive. Learning is a process, and some concepts and skills may be more challenging to grasp.

• A score of 3 signifies proficiency and is a reason for celebration! It demonstrates that the student has met the grade-level standard.

• A score of 4 indicates that a student has reached proficiency and has applied knowledge beyond the grade-level standard.

Comparison with Traditional Letter Grade System:

Standards Based Grading evaluates how well an individual student is performing in relation to grade-level standards, rather than comparing their work to that of other students. This approach provides parents with a better understanding of their child's specific strengths and areas that may need improvement. Traditional letter or numerical grades, on the other hand, are often influenced by class expectations, performance on assignments and tests, effort, student behavior, and how the student compares to their peers. They do not provide insights into which grade-level skills a student is currently working on and which skills they have already mastered.

WMAES Family Survey

We invite you to share your thoughts through our survey linked below. Your feedback is invaluable to us, helping shape our school environment and enhancing the experience for every student. We truly appreciate the insight you provide through this process.

Thank you for your continued support of WMAES! 

Click HERE - Survey Link

Coming Soon - WMAES Five Below Fundraiser

Get ready to support WMAES while tackling your holiday shopping! From November 24th to December 24th, every time you shop at Five Below and show your flyer (sent home soon), you'll help earn funds for our school.

Make your Black Friday and holiday shopping count for WMAES! Flyers will be sent home with your children soon and will also be available in the school offices.

Important: You must let them know at checkout that you are with the WMAES Fundraiser to earn credit for your purchase. 

Thank you for supporting our school community this holiday season! 

We're Looking For Your Feedback on Community Events

If you have attended one of our family and community events this year, please take a moment to provide feedback on the event(s) you attended using the form links below. Thank you! 

Treats on the Trail

Open House/Pig Roast

Welcoming Autumn with the DeerInWater Family

Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences

Uniform Online Ordering 

Purchase uniform apparel any time from the convenience of home with free shipping.

Online Uniform Store Link: WMAES Apparel

You can also enter the URL https://wmaesapparel.secure-decoration.com/ in any browser to access the store.