Dolphin Tales
School Update 12/3/2021
Principal Update - Mr. Spitzley
Doherty Families,
We at Doherty share our deepest sympathy for the tragic events that occurred this past week in the Oxford community. With those events in mind, we've taken these past few days to reflect on our practices to assure that student safety and learning continue to be at the forefront of what we do every day. We look forward to welcoming students back into our classrooms on Monday. Additional communication will be shared from the district in the coming days about our return to school.
Below is a graphic that provides guidance specifically for Early Elementary students encouraging families to provide explanations with simple information balanced by the assurance of safety. Please know that at Doherty we will continue to work as hard as we can to create a school environment that is safe and welcoming for all of our young learners. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
District Communication
WB Families,
Today, we share our deepest sympathy and support for the students, staff, and families of Oxford Community Schools. We cannot begin to imagine the pain the Oxford community feels today following the devastating shooting at Oxford High School, causing four fatalities and several additional injuries. Our hearts are heavy and our prayers are with those touched by this unfortunate incident.
The safety and well-being of our West Bloomfield community is our first priority. We recognize the role schools play in attending to the social and emotional needs of our students, staff, friends, families, and neighbors so they have the tools necessary to manage emotions and work through the difficulties associated with the current events.
Tools for Immediate Help with Crisis and Reporting
If you or a loved one is struggling, please utilize the support services listed below:
Common Ground - Helps community members in crisis. Call -1-800-231-1127; Or Text “Hello”; to Chat with a crisis counselor.
Oakland County Crisis/Suicide Line - 1-800-231-1127
OK2SAY - We encourage students to talk to a trusted adult if they see or hear something that doesn't seem right. They can also report information anonymously using OK2SAY. Call 855-565-2729; text 652729; or email OK2SAY@mi.gov. For emergencies, dial 911.
Talk to Us - The WBSD anonymous communication tool. Tell us what’s on your mind. Ask a question, share a concern, make a comment.
Emotional Support/Mental Health - WBSD has several trained social workers, psychologists, restorative practices coaches, and mental health consultants here to support students and families.
Tools for Families to Talk to Their Children
For families seeking a way to talk with their children about today’s events, you may access the following resources as a starting point:
Non-specific safety conversations may be more appropriate for younger students and may begin with presentations like the following on the Johns Hopkins site: “Talking to Your Children About Safety” for children in grades K-2 and children in grades 3-5. Using children’s books that use the power of narrative to teach valuable lessons is also a developmentally appropriate method to help our young one's process information. Some examples include the following:
The Rabbit Listened. A child has their castle wrecked and animals come and talk to her to give her advice. The rabbit comes to listen to her and she shares her feelings and gets brave to build the castle again.
After the Fall. Humpty Dumpty gets the courage to climb the wall again.
Reminders of Appropriate School Behavior
We also want to remind everyone that we will not tolerate violent and threatening behavior, whether it be on social media, stated verbally, or used nonchalantly. All behavior of this nature will be taken seriously and strict disciplinary measures will be taken.
West Bloomfield School District School Safety and Security Questions and Answers
We understand that this tragic event may generate many questions from our community about the current safety practices and protocols in the West Bloomfield School District. Below, you can find a list of frequently asked questions to address these questions.
How does the District enhance school security for students, staff, and guests?
Our District has made investments to enhance school safety and security over the past several years, including:
Secure main building entrances with locked vestibule entrances. This allows our office staff to improve visitor verification prior to their entrance.
Video surveillance cameras are present throughout our schools and on our buses.
Enhanced public address systems in schools, along with updated phone and radio systems, to increase the speed of communication throughout the building.
What safety procedures are in place?
The District continues to consult with experts to learn about ways in which we can improve student safety and school security. We also work closely with the West Bloomfield Police Department on a regular basis for guidance and support. Safety procedures include the following:
All visitors must enter through the secure entryways using the visitor verification system.
All exterior doors and windows are locked throughout the school day. Staff members are asked to remain vigilant regarding any doors that may be propped open. They have been advised to close them immediately and report this information to the main office.
Practice emergency drill procedures, including lockdown drills that utilize previous training related to ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Communicate, and Evacuate). Each building has an emergency response plan that outlines specific procedures that staff should follow.
Regularly sharing information with our municipal law enforcement officers on facilities, training, and security drills which will continue as scheduled in the coming days.
In closing, please know that we are committed to doing everything we can to support and protect our students and staff. Families can contact their school administrator if additional assistance is needed. We will continue to work with local law enforcement to strengthen our protocols. This incident, unfortunately, reminds us why it is imperative that we come together as a community and support each other. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with the Oxford community as they move to recover and heal from this devastating event.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gerald Hill
Superintendent
Hearing and Vision Screening
Vision Screening for 1st grade will take place the week of February 14th.
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
The holiday travel season is here, and we want to make you aware of recently updated CDC guidance on travel and keep you informed about the West Bloomfield School District’s practices for students and employees that travel.
Domestic travel: The CDC recommends that you not travel until you are fully vaccinated (two weeks after your dose of an accepted single-dose vaccine or two weeks after your second dose of an accepted two-dose series). If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, you should follow CDC’s recommendations for people who are not fully vaccinated, which include getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel and staying home to self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel. If you don’t get tested, the recommendation is to stay home and self-quarantine for ten days after travel. In addition, unvaccinated travelers should avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether tested or not.
All travelers should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. The West Bloomfield School District does not require a quarantine period after travel within the United States.
International travel: The CDC recommends that you not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated (two weeks after your dose of an accepted single dose vaccine or two weeks after your second dose of an accepted two-dose series). When you travel to the United States by air, you are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before you board your flight. The CDC recommends that all international travelers get tested 3-5 days after returning to the United States, and that unvaccinated individuals stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel, even if you test negative at 3-5 days.
If you do not get tested, the recommendation is to stay home and self-quarantine for ten days after travel. All travelers should monitor themselves for symptoms, and isolate and get tested if symptoms develop. The West Bloomfield School District does not require a quarantine period after international travel.
Even though quarantine is not required after travel at this time, it is imperative that we all do our part to keep our schools and community safe. Please use good judgment, monitor yourself for symptoms after travel, and stay home if you are not feeling well.
Art Class Website
Mrs. Hanifi has created a blog to showcase what students are learning in art class! Please take a moment to check out what your student(s) are learning!
DECEMBER LUNCH MENU
Canvas Log in Instructions
SCHOOL TIMES
Start Time: 8:25 AM
End Time: 3:17 PM
** If you drop your child off in the morning, please know that the earliest you can drop off is 8:05 AM. Our doors do not open until 8:10AM.
** If you pick up your child in the afternoon, please know that our carline closes at 3:40 PM. After 3:40 PM, if your child is not picked up, he/she will be sent to Kids Klub. Kids Klub will charge their drop-in rate under these circumstances.
Absent Safeline
Changing Dismissal Plans
W.B. Early Release Wednesdays!!!
Please mark your calendar, our next early release is:
December 8
District News
Blessings in a Backpack Application - 2021-22
If your child qualified for the Free and Reduced Meal Program last year or this year, s/he can also participate in the Blessings in a Backpack program. This program sends six non-perishable meals home each Friday of the school year. Its goal is to make sure that no child goes hungry on the weekend. Run by volunteers, there is NO cost to you.
If your child is going to school Face to Face, s/he will get his/her bag of food at his/her local school. If your child is enrolled in Lakers on Line, please indicate that on the form and we will contact you on food pickup arrangements.
After the Bell Classes
Please see the attached flyers for additional information and registration for two Community Ed after School offerings.
Math Pentathlon
K-7TH: Math Pentathlon
Strengthen Math Skills, Encourage Creative Thinking and Develop Problem Solving Techniques
BEGINS IN NOVEMBER!!! If you missed the Parent Info Zoom, CLICK HERE.
REGISTRATION INFO
Doherty Elementary Information
Email: daniel.spitzley@wbsd.org
Website: www.wbsd.org/doherty
Location: 3575 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 865-6020
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DohertyFamilies/
Twitter: @SpitzleyDoherty