Bridges Parent Handout
Please check out this document to access parent information about each math unit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bJc4HtK_QidHujaQVzz7ydKGaAzryTv26kmSRvS3ol4/edit?usp=sharing
This month we are challenging your student to be kind to others, even when it’s hard. We are partnering with you to help your child grow in kindness. Most children learn new behaviors by copying those around them; we have a powerful opportunity and responsibility to teach kindness by example. This month, model kindness and empower your children to show compassion to those around them with these activities.
Parking Lot Safety Issues
Unfortunately there has been some repeated instances of cars using the 'exit' lane to enter Doherty's parking lot during our busier times of day. We have asked for and received extra support from the Traffic Enforcement Division of the West Bloomfield Police Department.
Driving in the exit lane is considered careless driving and runs a high risk of creating a head on collision. Please do NOT ever enter the lot in this way.
During the day parents and visitors will need to follow a few important rules to keep our students safe and our building accessible.
- There is no parking in the bus loop between 10 AM and 5 PM. During that time you must park in the parking lot and walk up to the office. The bus loop is a fire lane and a no-parking zone. Buses will be entering and exiting that loop frequently before, during and after school hours and we have students passing by the bus loop for recess for several hours.
- When using the carline for pickup you must pull as far forward as possible when waiting for the carline to start moving or students to be dismissed. It is important to get as many vehicles as possible into the lot and off of Walnut Lake rd to minimize backups.
- Always pack your patience and be considerate of other drivers who are also queued to pick up students. The carline team with your help has been doing a great job of moving the line quickly and safely each day.
Parking Lot Safety Reminders
Each day 200+ students use the car line for arrival and dismissal. In order to keep all students and staff members safe, everyone who uses the parking lot must adhere to the processes in place and make safe decisions. With nearly 500 students at Doherty, the logistics of bussing and car line are a big part of daily operations and a continual focus of the Doherty Team. Refer to diagram above.
Remember:
- Do not walk your child through the lot or the carline, it is extremely dangerous.
- Parking and standing with your child behind your vehicle is an unnecessary distraction for cars navigating the carline and merge point and also very unsafe.
- Using the bus loop to cut around the waiting cars requires driving against directional parking lot arrows/traffic flow to park is not permitted. There are extremely rare occasions where that is acceptable.
- Some people have driven the parking lot for years, some just a few days. Please be patient and considerate of each other.
Tools and Support
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 recent 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.
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