The purpose of the Oakley Park learning community is to ensure social- emotional development for all students so they can reach their full academic and personal potential.

I am looking forward to welcoming our students and staff back to school on Monday. Speaking for myself, these past few days have felt so very heavy when thinking about the Oxford tragedy and worrisome as I think about our Owls as they wondered why school was closed on Thursday and Friday. While school closures throw us for a loop as parents/caregivers, the explanation of a “snow day” is easily understood by our children. As you have had to explain the “why” for the most recent closure, it is important to remember that elementary students do not need all of the details of what happened and why we closed school for two days, yet. It may suffice in the short term to share that you received an email that schools were closed to make sure we are all safe and healthy. A simple message you can share with your Owls is that “school was closed so Mrs. Froning can be sure our school is even safer!” The answer is truthful. Then distract with a movie date, family game, lunch date, holiday decorating all while keeping the news off!

We understand that our Owls will return on Monday with different understandings of why we didn't have school; as well as of the tragic event in Oxford. Our staff will not initiate a conversations about the Oxford events but we will surround our children with love and reminders that Oakley Park is a safe place for learning. I think it is important for families to know that on Wednesday, very few students even mentioned what occurred in Oxford and went about their day like normal. As a staff, the most important thing we can do if a student brings up the tragedy is acknowledge that we are aware of the very sad event at Oxford High School and offer reassurance that we are safe here at Oakley Park. If a student seems to want to talk/share more, teachers will reach out to support staff as well as parents/caregivers.

As I shared in yesterday’s email, please have a conversation with your children that ALL threats, even those made in a joking manner, are investigated fully and taken seriously in this District. At the elementary level, it is most important that our children understand that words such as kill or other references to physically harming another person, as well as actions like shooting (pretending an item such a pencil, finger, etc is a gun/weapon) are not appropriate and/or acceptable. Actions such as these impact the feeling of safety for others. Also if you or your child sees or hears threats please contact your local police agency as well as me. You can also report them using the OK2SAY app or call (855) 565-2729 or text 652729.

Due to the unplanned closures and the events that unfolded this week, we have given grace to our teaching staff and moved back the due date of report cards. Staff members are coping with the Oxford tragedy, as well, and they need time to process. Many of our staff are both educators and parents. Navigating the emotions felt in both of those roles can be overwhelming at times. Thank you for your understanding and know that our teachers are looking forward to an in-depth conversation with you about your child during Parent/Teacher conferences, Thursday, December 9th. Report Cards will be available in Family Access after 4:00 pm on Thursday, December 16th.

As we move forward, know that the safety and security of your children is of the utmost importance to me. Please reach out to me if your family needs anything!

Sincerely,

Kristin Froning

Just a quick reminder that donations for our adopt-a-family are due to the school office or the address listed on the signup form by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, December 8. We are so appreciative of the extreme generosity shown once again this year. Two local families are going to feel the extra blessings this holiday season and we can all be proud of that. Please label the gifts with the family number and family member, also do your best to include a gift receipt. Gifts should be unwrapped, you can donate wrapping supplies as well if desired.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0c4ca8af2aa6f85-opeadopt

Also, Friday was the final deadline for Reflections submissions. If your student was planning to turn in an entry in person, please reach out to us and we will make arrangements to pick it up on Monday in the main office. Thank you to those who have entered, the kids have some beautiful ideas on how they can change the world!

https://www.oakleyparkpta.com/reflections

Finally, our book fair hours have been updated, see them at the link here. The book fair will run as planned next week. There are still some openings for volunteers to help if you are available. We appreciate everyone who has already signed up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0c4ca8af2aa6f85-fall3

Our thoughts are with the Oxford community and like all of you, we are hugging our kids just a little tighter today. We hope you enjoy the little things this weekend and we look forward to returning our Owls to the strong, supportive foundation the OPE staff has built on Monday.

Jessica Maurer, OPE PTA President

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District (WLCSD) is excited to host “Walk into Walled Lake”, an upcoming series of informational community employment sessions. These informational sessions will allow members of the community to learn more about the District and how they can support the schools by filling needed positions within the schools.

Attendees will then have the opportunity to apply and participate in walk-in job interviews for needed positions such as substitute teachers, paraeducators, before and after school care, food service employees, custodians, and transportation.

Candidates interested in earning a competitive wage, while serving their community are invited to Walk into Walled Lake from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the District’s Educational Services Center (850 Ladd Road, Building D, Walled Lake, 48390) on the following dates:

• Tuesday, December 7

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with District representatives, learn more information specific to their job interest, and will be able to complete the application process on-site.

3:56 pm Walkers & Prime time and first of three bus numbers

3:58 pm continue calling bus numbers and student names

4:07 Buses depart from Oakley Park

*Owl Pick Up numbers and student names will continue to be called throughout the dismissal period.