First Bell: 8:55 AM

Tardy Bell: 9:00 AM
Dismissal: 4:00 PM
1/2 Day Dismissal: 12:25 PM

*Students who have access to Walled Lake Transportation will not be marked tardy at this time.

Last week, our staff spent Wednesday in a training that no one should ever have to go through but the safety of our children is of utmost importance to our entire learning community! I am so proud and humbled by the dedication of our staff. I believe that your children are surrounded by some of the most thoughtful and brave adults EVER…from the classroom to the lunchroom and everywhere in between!

I am grateful for the partnership of the Oakland County Sheriff's Department, especially Deputy Nick Krafft as we partnered to ensure our staff is prepared for a possible situation that poses danger to our students. Our staff was both brave and vulnerable as we discussed options (A.L.I.C.E) that empower us to make good survival decisions for your children (and ourselves) should a dangerous situation occur.

As you know, teachers spent important time on Thursday teaching the options based approach (A.L.I.C.E) to our students. I continue to be amazed by our staff…despite their own worries and fears, the lesson was delivered in each classroom with love and an element of positivity as we focused on being empowered if a dangerous situation were to occur at Oakley Park. Each teacher read the book “I am not scared, I am prepared” by Julia Cook. (This book has been read in each classroom over the past two years as well.) This year, the book helped lead into our lesson which focused more specifically on A.L.I.C.E. at Oakley Park. (See the video link below and hear Julia Cook give an overview of the book herself!)

In all classrooms, teachers reviewed an introductory presentation that included topics listed below:

• Overview of all emergency drills that schools practice (fire, tornado, bus evacuations)

• Discussion about dangerous situations at school

• Introduction to ALICE principles

• Stressing the concept of being prepared, not scared

• Read the book I’m Not Scared, I’m Prepared! by Julia Cook

• An emphasis on listening to teacher/adult directions, especially during an emergency

• Each classroom talked through the following scenario: If there was a dangerous situation in (or near) the office, what would/could we do?"

I recognize that school safety is an emotional topic and careful consideration has been taken throughout this process. I heard from several families that the conversations at home following Thursday's lesson went well. I encourage you to listen carefully in the coming days/weeks and if more conversation is needed I have included resources below to aid you in these conversations. Also, please reach out to your child's teacher if you feel they are particularly worried or fearful.

Moving forward, the staff and I will continue to keep you informed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or your child’s teacher. We welcome your input and are grateful for your partnership.

Helpful Links:

Talking to Children about Violence - Tips for Parents and Teachers

Is My School Safe: How to Ease Your Child’s Anxiety

Talking to your Child about Safety - K-2

Talking to your Child about Safety - 3-5

Please plan to join me at our next PTA meeting, Monday, January 10th. I will be sharing the presentation used for the lesson and I hope to answer questions you might have as well!

I continue to be so very grateful for a strong partnership between home and school!

Sincerely,

Kristin Froning

• Fever/Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Headache Sore throat
• Congestion
• Runny Nose
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle of Body Aches
• New loss of smell or taste

If your child has any of these symptoms, please err on the side of caution and keep them home until their symptoms subside. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to work together to keep our community healthy and safe! Health and Safe!

The 23rd Annual MLK Day Celebration

“Together We’re Better”

Each school is asked to participate in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

on January 17th, 2022

Our Keynote Speaker is Rabbi Yarden Blumstein. Rabbi Yarden Blumstein is a teen mentor who creates awareness surrounding teen mental health and empowers teens to support one another in school and elsewhere. He directs UMatter, a division of Friendship Circle Michigan that focuses specifically on teens that are struggling with mental health challenges. Under the guidance of Rabbi Blumstein, UMatter operates on a peer-to-peer model of teens helping their peers overcome stigmas and other obstacles related to mental health.

Registration for Prime Time Care/Teen Club is now open. Due to technical difficulties, registration will NOT currently be online. Please use the link below to access the Prime Time Care webpage. Registration packets are also available in our lobby area.