The Eagle's Beak
"Auburn Pride Starts Inside"
March 14, 2024
Dear Auburn Families,
Here at Auburn, we're dedicated to creating a warm and inclusive environment where every student feels safe and supported. To ensure that we're providing the best possible experience for your child, we kindly ask for your partnership in reviewing our student code of conduct.
With the arrival of beautiful weather, it's important for our students to make positive choices throughout the school day, including during recess. We've been diligently working to maximize our time for instruction by providing clear guidelines for behavior in the hallways, strategies for staff to assist students facing challenges, and emphasizing student responsibility and ownership of their choices.
If you ever find yourself with worries about your child's school experience, we're here to help address them quickly and efficiently. Just remember our straightforward three-step process: Step 1, talk with your child's teacher; Step 2, if required, meet with the principal only after meeting with the teacher and Step 3, if needed, reach out to the administration building only after meeting with the principal. Please rest assured that any resolutions we reach will always prioritize the well-being of our students.
If you're unable to connect with your child's teacher directly, we've provided a convenient link below to submit a parent concern form. Our main office will review these forms daily and reach out to you with next steps within 72 hours, initiating an investigation and ensuring resolution.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWW6MmPjxBVEoLSbVZ9olpRs5Q9i81S0emRlSC19f7kS0jaA/viewform?usp=sf_link
We deeply appreciate your commitment to your child's education, including their consistent attendance, which is essential for their learning and growth. As we plan for the upcoming school year, we kindly ask for your input through our Intent to Return Survey. Your feedback will help us better prepare for the year ahead. https://forms.gle/epyKgfkKePWPknzJ6
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in creating a positive and enriching educational experience for all our students.
Warm regards,
Shalonda Byas, Principal
Auburn Elementary
March Is Reading Month
The Read-A-Thon was a huge success. The students enjoyed reading at school and at home. Thank you to everyone that donated. We surpassed our goal of $3,000. The money raised will be used to purchase tools students need to learn and grow. The Read-A-Thon will close tomorrow. After that, your student will have ten days to shop for prizes.
Guest Reader - State Representative Donni Steele
TK Field Trip to Robot Garage
Positivity Project
Dear Families,
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Perspective. Perspective means you appreciate when people see things in different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.
Perspective is also referred to as wisdom and is distinct from intelligence. People with this strength are sought out for advice because they see the big picture and can make sense of the world’s complexity. This strength of perspective gives individuals the ability to see to the heart of difficult matters and achieve clarity. Most importantly, they are honest and behave in an ethically consistent manner.
Perspective helps an individual make sense of the world. It provides clarity on what matters and what does not. Being able to see things from multiple angles helps individuals remain calm and learn from mistakes; they are typically highly self-aware. Reflecting on their own feelings, thoughts, and motives helps them understand and empathize with other people. These individuals are strong listeners and ask great questions. Individuals with the strength of perspective help their group get through difficult or uncertain circumstances because they’re poised and can identify opportunities for success.
To practice and encourage the character strength of perspective with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
Happy Birthday
March 16: Sophia R
March 18: Jace
March 19: Calea and Nolan
March 20: Inverness
March 23: Giselle
Important Dates
- March 18 - 22: Book Fair
- March 20: Kindergarten Information Night
- March 22: 1/2 Day, 11:45 Dismissal
- March 25-29: Spring Break
- April 1: No School for Students
- April 2: Spring Picture Day
Specials Calendar
Click here to see our specials calendar.
PTO
What's For Lunch?
Lunch Menu
Choice A:
- Monday: Mac & Cheese
- Tuesday: Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Wednesday: Pizza Crunchers
- Thursday: Chicken Sandwhich
- Friday: 1/2 Day No lunch
Choice B: Pancake
Choice C: Sun Butter and Jelly
Free and Reduced Lunch
Click the link below for the Free & Reduced lunch application.
Avondale Information
MDHHS Information
Avondale Early Learning Center
Enrollment for Summer Camp and the 2024-2025 school year is open! Click on one of the following links to start the enrollment process for your student:
- If you want to enroll your student in the ELC Summer Camp, please fill out this form.
- If you want to enroll your student in a 3 Year Old classroom, please fill out this form.
- If you want to enroll your student in a 4 Year Old classroom, please fill out this form.
All current ELC students are only eligible to attend the ELC Summer Camp, not the Busy Bee Summer Camp. Busy Bee Summer Camp is for students who have completed a year of TK/Kindergarten.
Blessings in a Backpack
“Blessings in a Backpack” is a program designed to provide students with enough food for three meals a day during the weekends. This program is a community-based program sponsored by Blessings in a Backpack-Michigan, Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, the Meijer Corporation, the Avondale Community and will continue for children attending schools in the Avondale School District.
Register here for Blessings in a Backpack.
Health Division Recommends a Measles Vaccination Before Spring Travel
Pontiac, Mich. March 14, 2024 – Oakland County Health Division advises residents to get vaccinated against measles before traveling. In late February, Oakland County had its first confirmed measles case since 2019. This case was travel-related. As of March 7, a total of 45 measles cases have been confirmed in 16 states across the United States, including cases in Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
“Get vaccinated for measles if you are not. Vaccination is particularly important before traveling as there are outbreaks happening right now internationally and within the United States,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Medical Director for Oakland County Health Division. “Receiving both doses of the vaccine is most effective, but if you only have time to get one dose before your trip, that still provides helpful protection.”
Measles cases are usually linked to international travel and then spread to people in the United States. Anyone who is unvaccinated against measles is at risk of getting infected and spreading it to others. One dose of the vaccine provides 93% protection, while two doses provide 97% protection against measles. It’s best to have the vaccine series completed two weeks before travel. The vaccine is also effective if used within 72 hours of measles exposure to prevent illness.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin
Individuals who may have been exposed to measles are advised to watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, call your health care provider for guidance, and always call ahead before arriving at a provider’s office, urgent care, or hospital. Stay home as much as possible and away from others. If you leave the house, wear an N-95 mask.
The MMR vaccine is available through some health care providers, Oakland County Health Division clinics in Southfield, 27725 Greenfield Road and Pontiac, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, and many pharmacies. Pregnant people should not get the vaccine.
Health Division clinics hours are:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No one will be denied access due to inability to pay. There is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available for those who are under or uninsured. The Health Division accepts health insurance, as well as Medicaid, Medicare, Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, cash, and credit. VFC offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children. The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series and costs $76 per dose. There is a $7 fee per vaccination, per client. There are additional fees for credit card payments.
More information about measles can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter).
For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.
Michigan experiences first case of measles since 2019
MDHHS recommends measles vaccine for individuals ages 1 year and older
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 23, 2024
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed a case of measles in an Oakland County child associated with international travel. This is the first confirmed case of measles in the state since 2019. MDHHS is recommending unvaccinated individuals ages 1 year and older receive measles vaccination to protect themselves and those around them.
MDHHS is working closely with the Oakland County Health Division on this case, and at this time there are not thought to be additional exposures outside of the household based on when symptoms began.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential outbreaks of diseases like measles,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “It is important to make sure our families are up to date on all routine vaccines to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease. Now is a great time to check with your health care provider to make sure you are current with all your vaccines.”
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air.
The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F).
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
If symptoms develop, residents are urged to not visit their doctor or emergency room unless they have called ahead so facilities can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.
With the risk for community spread, parents are encouraged to make sure their children are up to date on all their childhood immunizations, including the measles vaccine. Ninety percent of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. About one in five people who get measles will be hospitalized. In addition to Michigan’s case, 35 measles cases have been reported in 2024 in 15 other states to date.
Across the United States, routine immunization coverage has dropped. Statewide, vaccine coverage for the MMR (two doses) vaccine for children ages 4 to 6 years old has decreased from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in 2022. For children ages 19 through 35 months of age, vaccine coverage has decreased from 84.7% in April 2020 to 83.6% in December 2023.
The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective. It is also effective if used within 72 hours of a measles exposure to prevent illness. However, some individuals with weakened immune systems may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Getting vaccinated not only protects the individual receiving the vaccine but can also protect vulnerable individuals in our communities from being exposed to this illness.
Michigan residents can contact their health care provider or visit their local health department for additional information on ways to obtain the vaccine and schedule an appointment. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.
To learn more about the MMR vaccine, visit Vaccine for Measles (MMR Shot) | CDC.
For more information about Measles cases in the U.S., visit Measles Cases and Outbreaks | CDC.
OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (August 31, 2023) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) offers back to school resources for schools and families.
As school resumes, it’s important for schools and families to prepare for the bustling school year. To help ease the school transition it may be helpful for families to:
· Get back into a school time routine a week or two before school begins
· Set the stage for a good sleep schedule
· Devise a plan for after school activities and homework
· Set goals for the school year and keep in touch with teachers
· Talk openly about change and asking for help when needed
Preparation for the upcoming school year is important. It’s also important to know when and how to access mental health and substance use disorder resources when needed. OCHN has provided a list of resources to help. In the resource packet linked below, you’ll find details on the:
· School Mental Health Navigator Program
· Youth and Family Care Connection
· Youth Mobile Crisis Team
· The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
· Information on services if your child is displaying concerning behavior
· OCHN’s “Keep Us in Your Contact” Initiative
· myStrength Information
· OCHN’s General Brochure
OCHN Back to School Resource Packet 2023 - PDF
For more information visit www.oaklandchn.org or call 248-858-1210. For non-emergency Access to services, please call 248-464-6363. If you or someone you know needs immediate mental health support, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 at 988.
About OCHN
OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lead a provider service network and manages care for approximately 27,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN's provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns, or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.
OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a "Valuable System for Valued People." Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.
Stop the Silence. Help End the Violence.
Now more than ever, parents and students should familiarize themselves with OK2SAY, which is Michigan’s student safety program to help keep students safe. Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees or schools.
Tips, which can be anonymous, can be reported in 31 different tip categories, including planned school attacks, threats, bullying and more. Tips can be submitted 24/7 in one of the following ways:
- Call: 8-555-OK2SAY, 855-565-2729
- Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
- Email OK2SAY
- Visit the OK2SAY website
- OK2SAY Mobile App: Available for download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iOS and Android mobile devices.