Whitmore Lake Middle School - Message From Principal

About Us: A Message From Our Principal

Welcome to Whitmore Lake Middle School. Whitmore Lake serves nearly 300 students in grades 5-8. Our mission is to provide “an exceptional, personalized education” preparing them for high school and life. In order to assist our students in meeting their full potential we have provide a number of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities. As the Principal of Whitmore Lake Middle School, since the 2006-2007 school-year I am proud to expound upon the many great happenings that have taken place over the past six years. The following are a few points of Trojan pride:

All of our certified teaching staff is Highly Qualified to teach in their core content area of expertise.
Research based instructional practices in all classrooms.
Differentiated instruction to meet every student’s needs.
A math curriculum that spirals within the year(i.e. cumulative) assisting in the long term retention of learned concepts.
A Seminar class at the end of the day for all students to reflect upon their learning, obtain skill specific instruction and receive tutoring, advising and mentoring.
A dramatic decrease in inappropriate behavior since the 2003/04 school-year creating a safe place in which to learn and culture focused on learning. Please see chart below entitled, “Discipline Summary for Whitmore Lake Middle School.”
A steady increase in overall achievement in ELA and math as demonstrated on the MEAP test since the 2006-2007 school year. Please see chart below entitled, “Whitmore Lake Middle School Longitudinal MEAP Results 2006-2010.”
Reading/Writing Workshop class to further develop skills learned in their ELA classes.
Math Workshop class to further develop skills learned in their math classes.
Two computer labs, a technology lab and a laptop cart dedicated for student use.
A full size “high school” gymnasium and locker rooms.
National norm referenced testing administered three time per year to measure student growth.
Drama Club that puts on two productions each school year— one play and one musical.
After school Homework Club that meets three days a week after school to provide students a quiet safe environment in which students may complete their homework with the help from teachers.
An award winning band and choir.
All core academic teachers are trained in the use of the best practice of Reading Apprenticeship (RA).
Athletic opportunities through the school for students in grades seven and eight and athletic opportunities for students in all grades through the Recreation Department.
Student Intervention Team meetings are held bi-monthly to identify student needs and develop strategies to meet those student’s individual needs.
A leader in Cyber Safety. We have had the Michigan Attorney General conduct a parent presentation on cyber safety. In addition, we are in our fourth year of partnering with the Washtenaw Council for Children to train seventh grade girls(Cyber Sisters) on the dangers of the internet who then in turn teach the rest of the student population.
A benevolent student body that each year raises and donates money/food to causes such as Adopt-A-Family, Warm the Children, The Humane Society and others.
Junior National Honor Society.
After school Technology Club for students in grades 5-8. Students are able to build robots and compete against other schools and districts.
Builders Club, as part of our local Kiwanis, meets after school to brainstorm and implement ideas on how to “build” up our community through volunteerism and action.
Rachel’s Challenge—a character building program that goes beyond “anti bullying.” The focus of Rachel’s Challenge is compassion and kindness.
Restorative Conferences are utilized when and where appropriate.
A responsible and conscience member of the “Community Partners for Clean Streams” as recognized by the Washtenaw County Water Resource Commissioner.

If you have any questions, desire additional information or would like a personal tour of WLMS please contact me.

Sincerely,
Michael A. Benczarski, Middle School Principal
Email: Michael.Benczarski@wlps.net
or phone 449.4715 X 2002