News & Information

Howard Baron has been recognized by the Michigan Association of School Boards for earning the Master Platinum Award.

Way Elementary art show allowed students to talk about their passions and creative process.  Students take ownership of their work and tell the story of their own learning through the planning, experimenting, reflecting, and revising.  They learn the skills and techniques of art, along with art history and apply what they learn to the different forms of art in each studio.  The choice-based learning empowers students to make choices regarding the creative process. The process is where the learning occurs.  Ultimately, the students find inspiration from the heart!

Conant student, Baird George, shares about their group’s action project to help the endangered black-footed ferret, “We made cootie catchers which is an origami fortune teller used in children’s game.  However, instead of fortunes we wrote facts about the black-foot ferret.  We sold them for $1 each at recess.  Our goal was to raise $180, and we raised $270!  We donated the money to the American Ferret Association.”  Mirabelle Boivin adds, “After learning about these global issues we are inspired to act and change our behavior.  We volunteered at homeless shelters, we donated toys to children with cancer and put together care packages, we took pledges to stop bullying, we tried to walk or ride our bikes over driving to help with global warming, created posters to hang at the middle schools to prevent smoking and vaping, and there was even more.  It felt good that we could make a difference!”

The Board of Education recognized students, staff, and volunteers for special honors, contributions, and going above and beyond with service to the community and classroom at their June 6 meeting.

West Hills IB coordinator Jen Teal reflects on the program: "Exhibition really highlights the importance of the learning process. If you ask students what they think of it during the unit, they will likely talk about being overwhelmed, having disagreements with other group members, struggling to find resources or come up with a solution, and feeling nervous about speaking in front of a large group of adults. The process is not easy. It requires that students critically inquire about their world, grapple with complex issues, look at multiple perspectives, and take responsible action. But on Exhibition Night, when students have an opportunity to share their learning and experience, it is magical. Their pride in what they have accomplished is immense. And the day after Exhibition, when students share what the experience has meant to them, their reflections are profound. Exhibition is a wonderful capstone as well as an important bridge to the next part of their IB journey."