Back to School Newsletter
August 25, 2023
Welcome Back to School!
We hope this newsletter finds you well and refreshed as we start another exciting school year at Southfield Public Schools. We are thrilled to welcome back our returning students and extend a warm welcome to those who are joining us for the first time.
The start of a new school year marks a fresh chapter filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and accomplishment. Our commitment to providing a nurturing and engaging educational environment remains steadfast.
Our dedicated educators have been working diligently to prepare enriching curricula, and our facilities have been carefully arranged to ensure the safety and well-being of all. As we embark on this journey together, let's continue to foster an atmosphere of curiosity, collaboration, and achievement.
Stay tuned for upcoming events, updates, and ways you can get involved. Here's to a successful and rewarding school year ahead!
Dress Code Policy
Southfield Public Schools is dedicated to preparing each student for college and career readiness. Student dress should promote a positive learning environment, encourage community and family ties, and support healthy and safe behavior.
A Southfield Public School District student will not dress in a manner that negatively impacts the learning process or educational setting. Students may not dress in a manner that is obscene, offensive, provocative, distractive, or indecent as these detract from the learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to, students wearing clothing that positively supports and depicts messages of violence, drugs, sexual themes, hate, vulgarity, and criminal behaviors. Students are expected to adhere to the following appearance guidelines while on school property and during school-related events:
- Clothing must be worn in a tasteful manner. Shirts, blouses, and tops should fully cover backs, torsos, and cleavage on all students (males, females and gender non-conformists), without any indecent exposure, including undergarments and associated undergarment straps or bands. No low cut tops allowed or bare midriffs (all students). Accordingly, pants that “sag” to expose underwear, torn or ripped pants, or shirts that rise up to expose skin are prohibited.
- Pants, shorts, and skirts should be worn appropriately. Pants, trousers, and bottoms should fully cover undergarments, without any indecent exposure including underwear linings and underwear bands. Skirts should fully cover the entire thigh. If leggings/yoga pants are worn, shirts or skirts should cover the buttocks.
- If students decide to wear clothing or accessories with messaging, the messages must be positive, and not include hateful, offensive, violent or explicit language, images, or words. Students should not wear items of clothing which have obscene, vulgar or sexual statements or pictures/images which promote alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances.
- Students are not to wear pajamas or loungewear, sheer garments and or tight form-fitting clothing. Clothing with excessive tears or otherwise in disrepair should not be worn.
- School appropriate footwear must be worn on school premises at all times (no flip flops, house shoes or athletic slides).
- Hooded sweatshirts are allowed, but hoods may not be worn indoors. Hats and coats are to be stored in the student’s locker during the school day. No bandanas, do-rags or gang-affiliated attire are permitted.
Southfield Public Schools recognizes that each student’s choice of dress and grooming is an expression of personal style and individual preference. Southfield Public Schools will not interfere with a student’s decision regarding their appearance, except when the choices interfere with the learning environment or school safety.
Students with three or more dress code violations will be subject to short-term suspension.
2022 Capital Facilities Bond
Visit www.southfieldk12.org for updates regarding our 2022 Capital Facilities Bond. There you can find an interactive map with all district projects, progress visuals, and more!
Updates as of Sept. 1, 2023:
- Eisenhower Elementary School remodeled and brought back online.
- Adler Elementary School has transitioned to Eisenhower Elementary School for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Security upgrades.
- Parking lot maintenance.
Back to School Fair
SPS welcomed students and families to an unforgettable day at the annual Back to School Fair on August 17th. From captivating student performances and amazing food trucks to the most creative face painting, the fun never stopped! And that's not all - we proudly distributed over 1,000 backpacks loaded with school supplies to position our scholars for success.
Huge thanks to our community partners, vendors, volunteers, and back-to-school fair committee.
2023 College Board National Recognition Program Awardees
Congratulations to Southfield A&T students Denell, Michael, Samantha, Samyia and Sanaaj for being awarded National Recognition from the College Board. All five scholars received the National African American Recognition Award (NAARA).
Students receive this academic honor because their GPA is 3.5 or higher and have outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and/or AP® Exams. They can now list this honor on applications to stand out to colleges.
The First Day of School
The first day of school was filled with excitement, new faces, and the joy of reuniting with friends. From classroom introductions to exploring the building, it was a day of curiosity and discovery. We look forward to many more days of learning and laughter ahead!
Reading, Writing and Health Care? Stevenson Elementary School Opens School Based Health Clinic
Southfield Public Schools is proud to announce a transformative partnership with Authority Health. Through a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Stevenson Elementary School is now home to a state-of-the-art health center. This innovative collaboration aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services and wellness support to students, staff, and the broader community, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a healthy and thriving learning environment.
The new health center will offer a range of medical services provided by a nurse practitioner, medical assistant, and behavioral health provider. A Community Advisory Committee comprised of school staff, local parents of school-aged children or adolescents, local community institutions, and clinicians will provide essential oversight of the health center’s mission. In addition, a Student Advisory Council provides insight into the student's perspective on health services. This strategic initiative seeks to address the holistic well-being of students and their families, ensuring that health barriers do not impede academic success.
"We are excited about this partnership with Authority Health as it aligns perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional educational experiences while nurturing the physical and emotional well-being of our students," said Dr. Jennifer Green, Superintendent of Southfield Public Schools. "The health center will serve as a valuable resource, not only for our students' immediate health needs but also for promoting long-term wellness."
Authority Health brings its expertise as a leading healthcare organization committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The partnership reflects a shared vision of empowering the next generation with the tools and resources they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
“We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to establish a comprehensive medical home for children and adolescents in the Southfield area,” said Loretta V. Bush, MSHA, president and CEO of Authority Health. “School-based health centers promote health and educational equity by reducing absenteeism, connecting families to health coverage, reducing emergency room visits, and providing reimbursable health services. This health center will complement our efforts at filling a critical gap in access to pediatric health care for young people.”
The health center's location within Stevenson Elementary School promotes convenience and accessibility, enabling students and families to prioritize their health without disrupting their daily routines. The center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm for the Southfield students and staff and Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 am to 4 pm for the broader community.
Peanut Free Zone
Athletics
We have a couple of important updates from the Southfield A&T Athletic Department to share with you.
1. Tickets for football games are sold online - there is a limited amount for purchase at the gate.
2. Please revisit the athletic guidelines located on the website: https://www.southfieldk12.org/departments/athletics/athletic-guidelines-for-events/
3. All students must have their school ID present to enter the games. If they do not have their ID they must be accompanied by an adult.
For concerns or questions, please email Omar Ahart, Athletic Director, at omar.ahart@southfieldk12.org.
Upcoming Dates and Events
- Sept. 12 - Board of Education Meeting
- Sept. 20 - No School District Professional Development
- Oct. 10 - Board of Education Meeting
- Oct. 18 - No School District Professional Development