The Eagle's Beak
"Auburn Pride Starts Inside"
May 3, 2024
Dear Auburn Eagle Families,
I hope this message finds you well as you revel in the accomplishments of our students this week. Witnessing their academic and socio-emotional growth has been truly uplifting.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to all Auburn parents and caregivers for your steadfast support in ensuring our students' consistent attendance and punctuality. Your unwavering dedication is instrumental to their success, and we are immensely grateful for it.
As we welcome the warmer weather, I'd like to take a moment to discuss our district's dress code policy. It's important that clothing remains clean and free of holes and tears (tops and bottoms). Additionally, clothing with offensive or distracting imagery, as well as overly revealing attire, is not appropriate for school. We kindly ask for your partnership in ensuring our students dress appropriately for their age and follow the district's dress code policy.
If your family requires clothing assistance, please reach out to brieanna.moshier@avondaleschools.org with sizes and gender specifications (all clothing requests are confidential).
Furthermore, I want to remind you that our school officially opens its doors at 8:22 am, with instruction beginning promptly at 8:32 am. Only students enrolled in the Busy Bee program may enter at 7:30 am. Students arriving for breakfast can do so between 8:00 am and 8:15 am, heading directly to the cafeteria. Please plan your drop-offs accordingly, or consider enrolling in the Busy Bee program for a smoother start to the day.
While we strive to create a safe and inclusive learning environment, we are unable to supervise students before 8:00 am, including those in the vestibule. We kindly ask parents to keep children in the car until 8:00 am to avoid any educational neglect concerns. Please refrain from dropping off and driving away, as this is considered educational neglect and requires reporting to CPS. Your cooperation in ensuring your child's supervision until 8:00 am, unless they are enrolled in Busy Bee, is greatly appreciated.
At Auburn, we take pride in nurturing an environment where every student feels valued and supported. I encourage you to review the student code of conduct regularly with your children to reinforce our shared commitment to their success.
Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering the growth and development of our students. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for every child at Auburn.
Warm regards
Shalonda Byas, Principal
Auburn Elementary
New to District Enrollment
If you have new to district students or have friends or neighbors that live in-district and need to enroll their students, please share the following information.
Select the link below to complete the Pre-Enrollment form. You will receive an email confirmation after submitting the form. If needed, please reference our district boundary map to determine your home school.
Do you want to be a PTO Board Memeber?
We are looking for 2-3 new PTO board members. Open positions are flexible. If you would like more information or to nominate yourself or someone else for PTO President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer please send an email to Chris Larose (christopherlarose321@gmail.com), Megan Geraci (megan.geraci@avondaleschools.org), or Shalonda Byas (shalonda.byas@avondaleschools.org).
The President shall preside at all meetings of the PTO and Executive Board. They shall call all special meetings and appoint all committee chairpersons. They will be the ex-officio of all committees.
The Vice-President shall act as aid to the President and shall perform the duties of the president in absence of this officer. Further, the Vice President shall act as the communications official for the purpose of facilitating communications between the PTO members. Included in this shall be the writing, editing and publishing of a monthly PTO newsletter.
The Secretary shall keep a correct record of all meetings of the PTO and the Executive Board, including separate logs of all approved motions. Included in this documentation shall be the name of the person making the motion. In addition, the Secretary shall conduct all general correspondence and send out notices of all called meetings. They shall be the custodian of all communications, papers and documents.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all monies and shall keep an accurate record of receipts and disbursements of the PTO. They shall prepare a written report for each regular meeting and meetings of the Executive Board. The Treasurer and each member of the Executive Board shall have authority to sign checks. No check shall be issued without two authorized signatures. The Treasurer shall be custodian of all receipts.
Collectively, the Executive Board shall establish a projected budget at the onset of their term.
We will vote on new members at our final PTO Meeting on May 9.
3rd Grade Field Trip to DNR Museum
On August 6th, our community will vote on a no-tax-rate increase bond proposal.
If approved by voters, the proposal will update all Avondale school facilities, including improvements to safety and security, infrastructure, learning environments, arts, athletics, playgrounds, technology, and furniture, as well as construct a new Early Childhood Center.
A frequently asked questions document can be found here and is currently available on the district's website. This document also outlines all the planned projects for each school and facility within the district.
Residents of Avondale School District are encouraged to share their thoughts about the bond proposal. Vist www.research.net/r/ASDbondproposal to take a brief survey.
Please remember to vote on August 6 or by absentee ballot after June 27 through Election Day! For more information visit www.avondaleschools.org/2024-bond.
Volunteer Application Form
Positivity Project
Dear Families,
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm means you approach life with excitement and energy. You energize people around you.
Enthusiasm is the ability to bring life and excitement to different situations. It often leads to a higher level of involvement and engagement both for individuals and for groups. Those who demonstrate enthusiasm bring an energy and level of intensity to individual and group work. These people are often identified as early leaders and innovators as a result of their outward excitement about a task or project. Look for these people to recruit new group members and generate ideas.
For groups, enthusiasm can be directly tied to high levels of success, happiness, and achievement. Enthusiasm is contagious. One person’s enthusiasm can spark others to think, speak, and act with more energy and conviction. Groups that are enthusiastic about tasks are much more likely to spend longer periods of time in service to the group’s overall goals.
To practice and encourage the character strength of enthusiasm 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
May 3: Raelynn
May 4: Audrey
May 5: Tyler
May 6: Bentley and Tucker
May 8: Jaycee
May 11: Jace, Tyji, and Francesca
Important Dates
- May 5: NWEA Reading testing begins
- May 9: 1st Grade trip to High School
- May 9: PTO Meeting 6:00
- May 10: Student of the Month Assembly
- May 13: NWEA Math testing begins
- May 21: Senior Walk for AHS students
- May 22: 3rd Grade Reptarium Assembly
- May 23: Future Focus Day
- May 24-27: No School Memorial Day
- June 3: Field Day
- June 6: Half Day, dismissal 11:45
- June 7: Last Day of School, Half Day dismissal 11:45
Specials Calendar
Click here to see our specials calendar.
‘24 Field Day Schedule and Volunteer Sign-Up
It is that time of the year! Field Day is Monday, June 3rd, rain or shine. Please have your children dress for the weather. If it is rainy we will have the events in the gym. Make sure your child wears something that can get a little messy. Students must wear gym shoes (no crocs, sandals, boots etc.) Students can bring a water bottle, if we are outside. All events are relay races; some are silly and some are challenging. Please see the schedule below. There will be more details coming soon.
If you would like to volunteer for Field Day please fill out the Google Form below. If you haven't done so already, please contact the office about filling out a background check volunteer form. That form can also be found in the Eagles Beak.
FIELD DAY VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP: Volunteer Form
Time
9:20-10:10 - 2nd Grade
10:20-11:10 - Kindergarten
11:40-12:30 - 1st Grade
12:40-1:30 - 4th Grade
1:40-2:30 - 3rd Grade
2:35 -3:25 - 5th Grade
Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures
ENJOY 10% OFF
your order!
CODE: S2410OFF
EXPIRES: December 31, 2024
PTO
What's For Lunch?
Lunch Menu
Choice A:
- Monday: Pancakes
- Tuesday: Bosco Sticks
- Wednesday: Nachos
- Thursday: Mac and Cheese
- Friday: Cheeseburger
Choice B: Mixed Berry Parfait
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.
Michigan families urged to get children caught up on vaccines in recognition of National Infant Immunization Week FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2024 CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, WuthC@michigan.gov LANSING, Mich. – During National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) April 22-29, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges Michigan parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated on time for the best possible protection from serious diseases. Each year, NIIW focuses on the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children — and this year it’s a priority to ensure families stay on track for their children’s well-child visits and routinely recommended vaccinations. On-time vaccination is critical to help provide protection against potentially life-threatening diseases. According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) as of Dec. 2023, only 66.4% of Michigan children 19 through 35 months of age were up to date on recommended vaccines. “Now more than ever, it is important to make sure Michiganders, especially children, are up to date on all recommended immunizations,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Vaccine preventable diseases still exist, and they’re here in Michigan. Now is the time to get our little Michiganders caught up on vaccines and protect them from all preventable diseases.” Vaccinating children on time according to the recommended childhood immunization schedule is the best protection against diseases like measles, hepatitis A, pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza. With the growing number of measles cases nationwide and around the globe now is a perfect time to make sure you and your family are protected. NIIW highlights importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases as part of World Immunization Week (WIW), a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative. This week serves as a reminder about the importance of staying on track and ensuring infants are up to date on all recommended vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations. Parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider about what vaccines their child needs to stay protected. For more information about vaccines, parents can visit Ivaccinate.org. ###
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 Health Division Encourages Parents to Ready Their Kindergarteners for the Upcoming School Year
Pontiac, Mich. May 1, 2024 – Parents and guardians whose children will enroll in kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year should take steps now to ensure their kids meet Michigan’s requirements to enter the classroom. These requirements include dental, hearing, and vision screenings and specific vaccinations.
Screenings and immunizations are available at Oakland County Health Division if a child does not have a healthcare provider.
- Kindergarten Dental Screenings: Senate Bill 280 (Public Act 316 of 2023) requires children going into kindergarten to have a dental screening. Children who have dental problems may have trouble sleeping and eating which affects their ability to learn.
- Hearing and Vision Screenings: The Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978) mandates children to complete hearing and vision screenings before entering kindergarten. These screenings help children develop and learn by identifying a hearing or vision problem early.
- Immunizations: State law requires kindergarteners to have specific vaccines before beginning the school year. Vaccines are safe and effective tools to prevent diseases that are more readily spread in group settings like classrooms.
Call Oakland County’s Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to schedule screening appointments with the Health Division. Screenings are available to children who live or learn in Oakland County. There is no charge.
Immunizations do not require an appointment. Oakland County Health Division clinics are walk-in only and located in Southfield (27725 Greenfield Road) and Pontiac (1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East). Clinic hours are:
- 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesdays
- 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursdays
No one will be denied access due to the inability to pay for immunizations. 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. There is a $7 fee per vaccination, per client. There are additional fees for credit card payments.
More information about kindergarten readiness can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.info/kindergarten-readiness or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 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.
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.