Warrior News

Hello Warrior Family,

As we welcome the New Year, we enter an important transition period at Southfield A&T. The second semester is just around the corner, and with it comes our final exams scheduled from January 15th to January 17th. This time of year is crucial for our students as they prepare to showcase their learning and hard work.

With the transition to the second semester, we will be rightsizing our staffing and classes. While all students have their classes honored, please be aware that the period or location of some classes may change. This adjustment is necessary to ensure we can provide the best possible education to all our students. We encourage you to have proactive conversations with your child about these transitions and what they may mean for their daily routine.

I am pleased to share that, due to these changes in enrollment, we will have all certified teachers in our core classes. This is a significant benefit for our students, ensuring they receive quality instruction as we move forward.

In the spirit of embracing change, I would like to share an inspiring quote: “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Albert Einstein. This reminds us that flexibility and adaptability are vital skills, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

We are also thrilled to announce the return of a familiar face to our Southfield community. Mrs. Nakia Pollard, a former student, will be joining us as our new teacher and production instructor. It is always a joyous occasion when we see former students return to contribute to the school that played a significant role in their development.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, let’s make this transition a positive and enriching experience for our students.

Warm regards,

David Reese, Principal

Southfield A&T High School

Please see the attached flyer to join our newly formed PTSA

SENIOR DUES

• The deadline to purchase graduation Cap & Gown and Diploma Cover is January 31, 2025.
• The price is $95. Please use the QR code below to pay.

SENIOR EVENTS

• Senior Pinning is Wednesday, February 12, 2025
• Senior Prom is Thursday, May 29, 2025.
• Graduation is Friday, June 6, 2025

You can still order your yearbook for $80.

The link to access sales is below.

https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/20632

We are proud to welcome 17 new members into our chapter of National Honor Society. Their formal induction ceremony will be held on January 31, 2025.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Mrs. Dudley's Junior Composition and Literature students completed a Personal Narrative "Real Courage". Students are using the new Vantage Learning Myaccess online writing platform to create, revise, and edit their essays and writing assignments.

Below are samples of their work.

On Friday, December 20, 2024, the SPS CTE Advisory Board, led by Ms. Dunn along with board members Mischelay Roberts and Darius Jordan, successfully hosted the inaugural "Cheat Codes: Your Future, Your Way" workshop. This event brought together a diverse group of alumni from SHS, SL-HS, and SA&T to provide current students with invaluable insights into navigating life after high school.

The primary goal of the workshop was to bridge the gap between education and real-world experiences. Alumni who have ventured into a variety of careers shared their journeys, offering students a "real" perspective on what it takes to succeed in the professional world. The interactive sessions allowed students to engage directly with alumni, asking questions that will help them make informed decisions about their future paths.

Teachers were given the unique opportunity to sign up in advance and were then matched with alumni working in career fields aligned with their curriculum. This facilitated meaningful conversations between educators, students, and alumni, creating an atmosphere of shared learning and mentorship.

"Cheat Codes: Your Future, Your Way" aimed to empower students by giving them practical knowledge and advice that went beyond textbook learning. Topics covered included making career choices, the challenges of transitioning from high school to the workforce or higher education, and strategies for personal development. Alumni emphasized the importance of perseverance, networking, and maintaining a growth mindset to achieve success in any field.

As the event came to a close, it was clear that it made a lasting impact. Students left with a greater sense of direction, equipped with advice and encouragement from those who have walked the path before them. The SPS CTE Advisory Board looks forward to making "Cheat Codes: Your Future, Your Way" an annual event, continuing to provide students with the tools they need to chart their own successful futures.

We are excited to build on this experience and further strengthen the connection between our schools and the broader professional community.

Please congratulate Micah Owens and Brooklynn Williams, members of Business Professionals of America Southfield Chapter. Micah Owens is our chapter President and she placed 7th in Presentation Individual completion and Brooklynn Williams our new member placed 2nd in Entrepreneurship. Both members will be competing at the BPA State Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan March 13th - March 16th.

December isn’t just the month that we get to decorate the Christmas tree and spend time with our loved ones. It’s also the month that our Winter Sports kick into high gear!!

Our boys' Wrestling team has not wasted any time in their first year back on the mat. They have been showing up and showing out including Aden Saunders, Jakari Dixon, Keith Finley and Karson McKenzie all taking places and bringing home medals from Waterford Mott. This landed us in First Place as a team!! They didn't stop there as we had over half the team place at Bishop Foley last week including Jeffrey Nicholson being named Athlete of the Week for Wrestling! He has improved so much as a freshman and took 3rd place in the Heavyweight Division. The chemistry of this team is pretty amazing and being led and mentored by some amazing men! Shout out to Coach Smith, Coach McKenzie, Coach Wright and Coach Braceful!! Special thank you to Team Mom Renea Finley who follows our boys around to every match to cheer them on and feed them!!!!

Our Boys Basketball Team went out on the Holiday break with a win and came up short on a few tough losses over the break. However, they have put in the extra work and are looking to come out stronger, better and faster!!

Girls’ Basketball wanted to make sure that the Holiday season was truly special so they adopted a family of five for Christmas and blessed them beyond measure. The girls, the coaches and the parents all shopped for the family. The team used that opportunity to bond while wrapping the gifts and listening to Christmas music. They have been on a three-game winning streak with a record of 5-2. They are led by two strong seniors, Christen Banks and Jordan Usher. Samiya Ashford and Erica Sheridan made a great debut on Varsity. However, they truly are "One Team One Family" as it takes the entire team to be successful! Kianna Harrison is our Athlete of the Week for Girls Basketball and not because of her stats but because of her HEART!! These young ladies are looking to continue their success in the upcoming games.

Our Competitive Cheer Team did not hit the road before break solo! Instead, they took the University K12 Middle School team out on the road with them and they took First Place. Coach Stancie and her amazing staff as well as the Middle School Coaches have been working non-stop to prepare the girls for events like this! Our girls took 3rd place while looking to make a huge splash in our 3rd Annual Beach Blast on January 11, 2025. Come out and support our girls.

Bowling has been rolling along and while the team may be younger, they are truly improving weekly. Slow and steady wins the race, especially under the training of our amazing Coaches. It's not too late to join this amazing team so if you want to be a part of something great, please feel free to email the coach rmason2@uwm.com.

Our Swim Team is being led by two seniors who are truly making a splash!! They have been working hard all summer and they are looking to lead their team to success this season. Tanner Harrington came up a few seconds short of qualifying. He was a little under the weather so we absolutely expect him to come back stronger.

Last but definitely not least as this team is truly a joy to watch, our Unified Basketball Team plays against Lake Orion and a make-up game against Berkley. They truly have fun playing the game of basketball and it’s so rewarding watching them work together. If you have never been to a game, we highly encourage you to come out and see them play. You won’t regret it.

Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology is bringing a transformative redesign to the secondary learning experience with its Career Pathway Academies. Starting this fall, our scholars will have the exciting opportunity to choose from 16 specialized Career Pathway Academy Program Concentrations, including:

• Business Management
• Culinary Arts
  
• Digital Multimedia Design
  
• Finance
  
• Firefighting/MFR/EMT
  
• Health Sciences
  
• Information Technology (with specializations in Advanced Programming, Cybersecurity, and Game Design)
  
• Marketing & Entrepreneurship
  
• Mechatronics & Robotics
  
• Performing Arts (with concentrations in Dance, Drama, Instrumental, and Voice)
  
• Radio/TV Production
  

Beginning in 10th grade, students will immerse themselves in their chosen field through coursework in both the 10th and 11th grades. They will engage in project-based learning, work-based learning such as field trips, job shadows and internships, with the added benefit of earning industry certifications and college credits through articulated and/or dual enrollment programs. Additionally, several academies feature after-school clubs such as Innovative Design Vehicle Challenge, Robotics, and Business Professionals of America. These clubs provide students with opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and showcase their talents in regional, state and national competitions.

For questions please reach out to your student's counselor or contact Hallie Snyder, Director of Career Focused Education at hallie.snyder@southfieldk12.org or 248-746-4330.

If you are interested in exploring OSTC's programs and campus, see the attached flyer for dates where you can visit OSTC on certain Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The flyer details how you can sign-up!

If you have not done so already, please join the Class of 2025 Counseling Center remind:

https://www.remind.com/join/2025-cc

Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology requires community service hours along with 22 graduation credits. Your student is required to complete and submit their Volunteer Log to their counselor before or during Senior Check-Out. Using the Volunteer Log, your student can submit hours accumulated through May of their respective graduation year. Hours required for each graduating class as follows:

Senior Class of 2025 = 15 Hrs.

Senior Class of 2026 & Beyond = 20 Hrs.

Please view the attachments or see your counselor for questions.

Beginning Fall 2024, students from the Class of 2025 and beyond may be eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which includes:

• In-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
• An additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award for Pell-eligible students, which can be used toward additional college costs.
• More information can be found HERE

Please continue to use the service support link below so we can better assist you.

If you have a counseling emergency, someone will contact you as soon as possible.

Service Support Link: https://forms.gle/1FheMqhAemdJwLz46

National Honor Society Welcomes 17 New Inductees

The National Honor Society is proud to announce the induction of 17 students into its chapter. These new members excel in scholarship, service, leadership, and character, and take pride in demonstrating these pillars throughout our school. Congratulations to our newest NHS members:

1. Amani Adaway

2. Leila Arrington

3. Nuray Bayadil

4. Rae'Jon Hampton

5. Kianna Harrison

6. McKenna Hubbard

7. Journee Jackson

8. Kendall Jones

9. Jalaya McCaskey

10. Janiya McCaskey

11. Makayla Miller

12. Leiyah Norfolk

13. Micah Owens

14. Tluang "Iris" Par

15. Hannah Pascal

16. Harmony Ramsey

17. Eric Spragins

Student Council Heads to Regionals

The student council will represent our school as they take on regionals next Tuesday. They will showcase their hard work and dedication in leadership and community involvement. Let’s show our support as they participate in this opportunity and bring back valuable experiences to share with our school community.

Third Annual Blood Drive

Mark Your Calendars! The student council will host our third blood drive on January 31, 2025. This life-saving event is open to students, staff, and parents in our school community. Stay tuned for details on registration.

BPA Shines at Regionals

Before we began winter break, members of Business Professionals of America competed at regionals. They showcased their skills in a variety of CTE-based programs. Congratulations to everyone who participated and represented our school with excellence.

1. Tramiah Agee - 5th, Global Marketing Team (500-S)

2. Leila Arrington - 3rd, Administrative Support Team (255-S)

3. Kenneth Brooks - 6th, Small Business Management Team (510-S)

4. Marquis Carson - 5th, Global Marketing Team (500-S)

5. Armani Davis - 6th, Small Business Management Team (510-S)

6. Leela Fox - 5th, Global Marketing Team (500-S)

7. Alyson Griffin - 7th, Human Resource Management (535-S)

8. Micah Owens - 5th, Global Marketing Team (500-S)

9. Micah Owens - States qualifier, Presentation Individual (555-S)

10. TayJuan Russel - 6th, Small Business Management Team (510-S)

11. Paris Whitman - 3rd, Administrative Support Team (255-S)

12. Brooklynn Williams - 2nd, Entrepreneurship (505-S)

13. Wallace Worthy - 7th, Prepared Speech (545-S)

For the month of January, College and Career Center have scheduled the following events:

January 8, 2025: Trivia and Treats during both A Lunch (10:50 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) and B Lunch (10:50 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)

January 22, 2025 University of Detroit Mercy College Admission Presentation from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

January 29, 2025 "Invest in Your Future: Create Your FSA ID Event" scheduled during A Lunch (10:50 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) and B Lunch (11:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

January 30, 2025 Baker College Admission Presentation from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Students may register to attend these events using the following methods:

• Scan QR Code listed on the flyers posted throughout the school and in the cafeteria
• Scan QR Code on display board located outside the College and Career Center
• Visit the College and Career Center during school hours to register and attend the event

Parents Upcoming FAFSA webinars

Parents can register to attend one of the webinars using the link below:

https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-families/virtual-financial-aid-presentations

There are two webinars scheduled in January.

• January 15, 2025 6:30 p.m.
• January 28, 2025 12:30 p.m.

In addition, parents can visit the link below to obtain additional Financial Aid and Scholarship resources/information for students and families,

https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-families

11th and 12th graders are invited to participate in FutureCraft 2025. See Kathy Williams in the Career Center or Mrs. Dunn in Room MC-4

9th and 10th graders will attend the College Panel on February 11, 2025 in the Auditorium.

Ninth graders with a 3.0 gpa or above are invited to hear about Wolverine Pathways on January 22, 2025 (location TBD).

Southfield Public Schools will hold its Career Fair for all high school students on March 25, 2025

Any Oakland County family with a school-age student can access up to $4,000 in reimbursement for mental health services. Previously, the reimbursement was capped at $2,000. This is available to families regardless of family income.

School Mental Health Navigator Program

The Oakland Community Health Network’s (OCHN) Mental Health School Navigators (MHSN) provide mental health and substance use outreach and resources to Oakland County schools. MHSNs connect youth and families to behavioral health and substance use supports, as well as financial assistance.

For more information about the School Mental Health Navigator Program

please call 248-462-6294 or

email SchoolNavigator@oaklandchn.org

Please take advantage of this opportunity to add a new experience to your daily life.

You have been invited to be mindful with Inner Explorer HOME. Please use one of the links below to download the free app on your phone.
Google Play store - http://bit.ly/2IYLvJcApple

App Store - https://apple.co/2WNm0Eu

For the safety and security of fans attending home sporting events, the following process will be followed:

***All fans will be checked by a handheld

metal detector!!***

***No School ID/miStar NO ENTRY!

***NO Ski mask (Shall not be visible at any

time!)

***No Backpacks/Bookbags

***No purses (small handheld clutches

acceptable)

The new year and the new semester gives us the opportunity to start again.

• “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

January 15th - 17th - High School Exams - Half Days AM. School is dismissed at 10:30 AM

January 20th - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

January 21st - Records Day - NO SCHOOL

January 22nd - Second Semester Begins