The Eagle's Beak
"Auburn Pride Starts Inside"
June 7, 2024
Dear Parents and Caretakers,
As we reach the end of another wonderful school year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families. It has been a joy watching our TK-5 students grow, learn, and thrive throughout the year, and I am incredibly proud of their achievements.
With summer vacation upon us, I encourage you to continue fostering a love for learning at home. One of the best ways to engage with your child’s education during the break is through reading. Reading together not only helps maintain their literacy skills but also creates cherished moments of bonding. Visit your local library, explore new books, and dive into exciting stories that spark your child’s imagination.
In addition to academic growth, summer is a wonderful time to focus on social-emotional development. Encourage your children to express their feelings, build empathy, and strengthen their interpersonal skills. Simple activities like family discussions, playing cooperative games, and practicing mindfulness can have a significant positive impact on their emotional well-being.
Remember, your involvement and support are crucial to your child’s continued success. Celebrate their accomplishments, nurture their interests, and provide a safe space for them to explore and grow. Your engagement makes a world of difference in their journey.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our school community. I look forward to seeing our students return refreshed and ready for another year of learning and growth on August 26, 2024.
Wishing you a joyful and restful summer,
Shalonda Byas, Principal
Auburn Elementary
Field Day
Last Week of School Fun!
School Garden
Summer Activities
Check out the link below for some great local Summer Activities!
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.
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.
Summer Behavioral Health Support
If you have any questions, feel free to call the office to speak with Ms. Farrugia, school social worker, for more information.
Summer Birthdays
June 8: Jade
June 9: Andrew
June 11: Isabella C
June 12: Avalisse
June 13: Jerin and Grayson M
June 15: Vayda
June 16: Amina
June 18: Shane
June 19: Damian and Ian
June 20: Jaayden, Carter, and Edwin
June 21: Georgia
June 22: Ari, Destiny, Boabai
June 23: Kyle, Alexa and Alexander
June 29: Estrella
July 1: Jai'cee and Chelsey
July 2: Da'Niylah
July 3: Robin
July 6: Mateo
July 12: Bryce
July 13: Noah
July 17: Tyler
July 18: Liliana
July 19: Darren
July 21: Shayvon
July 22: DaMarion and Aiden
July 23: Sophia and Aamir
July 24: Timothy
July 25: LaNorah
July 27: Bryleigh and Max
July 28: Grey
July 29: Saveena and Brielle
July 31: Ja'Shawn and Penelope T
Aug 2: Barry, Janelle, and Kentrell
Aug 5: Makenzie
Aug 6: Alastair
Aug 8: Peyton
Aug 9: Saige and Scott
Aug 10: Yajahira
Aug 14: Ximena and Nina
Aug 16: Penelope H
Aug 17: Sanaaz
Aug 18: Adrian
Aug 19: Eli
Aug 21: Aaliyah
Aug 25: Adelia
Important Dates
- August 26: First Day of school for the 2024-2025 School Year
Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures
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Avondale Information
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.
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.