Office of the Superintendent
Dr. Bobbie Hayes Goodrum was selected by the Ferndale Board of Education to lead Ferndale Schools, beginning in July 2022.
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Greetings Ferndale Family!
I hope this message finds you well as we continue our journey through the school year. This year has not been without its hiccups, but I love how we come together as a school community to make decisions that are in the best interest of all of our students. Thank you for your ongoing thoughtful collaboration and understanding. We know that communication is one of our biggest challenges - we hear you. We are forming a Communication Task Force which will include membership from all of our partners - students, staff, families and community members. We want you to have all the information that you need in a timely and consistent manner. More information about signing up for the Communication Task Force will be coming soon. Fall is upon us! I love Fall and look forward to all the wonder and joy that the season will bring. Here are some important updates from the past week and a glimpse of what's to come:
Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators Meeting in Traverse City, Michigan: I had the privilege of attending the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators meeting this week in Traverse City. This gathering provided an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with educational leaders from across the state, share best practices, and discuss strategies to enhance the educational experience for our students here in Ferndale.
Yom Kippur Observance: As we embrace diversity and inclusivity in our district, it's important to note that Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, begins at sunset on September 24. Yom Kippur holds deep significance for some members of our community. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.We extend our warmest wishes to all members of our community observing this sacred holiday.
Coffee with Cabinet: Our recent Coffee with Cabinet on Monday, September 18, was marked by robust and insightful conversations. I appreciate the engaged participation from our parents, guardians, and community members. Our next Coffee with Cabinet is scheduled for Monday, October 16, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Save the date and join us for more enriching discussions.
FMS Curriculum Night: Ferndale Middle School held its Curriculum Night on September 19, giving parents and guardians the opportunity to learn more about the curriculum and educational plans for their students. We value your involvement in your child's education and thank you for your active participation.
FMS/FHS PTO Meeting: The FMS/FHS PTO Meeting took place on September 20, providing a platform for parents, teachers, and staff to collaborate and support our schools. Your commitment to our students is truly commendable.
Senior Pinning at UHS: On September 21, we celebrated our seniors at University High School with a special senior pinning ceremony. This event is a meaningful tradition in our district, highlighting the achievements and promising futures of our graduating students.
We continue to work together to emphasize JOY (Jubilance, Opportunity, and You) throughout Ferndale Schools. Our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment is unwavering. It's through our collective efforts that we can ensure every student experiences joy in their educational journey.
Thank you again for your ongoing support and dedication to Ferndale Schools. I look forward to more opportunities to engage with our community and work together to provide the best education for our students.
With Eagle JOY,
Dr. Bobbie
Hello Ferndale Family,
I hope you're all having a JOYful start to the school year and savoring the last moments of summer. Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, and our Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment team has curated a wonderful list of resources for our school community to commemorate the contributions of Hispanic Americans to our nation's rich tapestry. Please be sure to visit our resource page. Here at Ferndale Schools, celebrating the diversity of our community remains a core commitment.
Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the FUEL Curriculum Night, where I had the chance to connect with many caregivers and students. These interactions are always a highlight for me, and I look forward to further engagement at upcoming school events.
While we strive to maintain open and effective communication with our school community, we recognize that there may be times when concerns or inquiries do not receive a timely response. In such cases, it is crucial to reach out to our building administrators and, if necessary, to me at bobbie.goodrum@ferndaleschools.org. Clear lines of communication ensure that we can address all concerns and issues promptly, fostering a positive and supportive environment for our students and their families. Community engagement is community empowerment - this is your school district and we are here for YOU.
I'm enthusiastic about serving our community, prepared for the rewarding work ahead, and uplifted by the profound joy radiating from our students' faces, as well as the unwavering support our schools receive from the community. Together, we can make this academic year a memorable and successful one.
I hope to see you all Monday at our facilities focused Coffee with Cabinet in the Nest at FHS at 6 p.m.
Joyfully an Eagle!
Dr. Bobbie
Greetings Ferndale Family!
As we bid adieu to the first week of another remarkable school year, I am delighted to reach out to you all with heartfelt gratitude and immense JOY. The halls of our schools once again resounded with the laughter, curiosity, and enthusiasm of our students, and as I visited each one of our buildings, it was truly a sight to behold.
Our theme for this year, JOY Matters at Ferndale, has already begun to weave its magic within our school community. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible moments that have unfolded during this first week and to share my appreciation for each and every member of our Ferndale family.
Jubilance: The spirit of jubilation was evident in the smiling faces of our students as they reconnected with friends and teachers, and in the shared excitement of embarking on a new learning adventure. Let's carry this joy forward throughout the year, finding delight in the small victories and celebrating the progress we make together.
Opportunity: This first week was a canvas of opportunities waiting to be explored. From the spark of curiosity in the eyes of our youngest learners to the determination of our high school seniors, each day brought chances to grow, learn, and evolve. Let's nurture these opportunities and continue to foster an environment where everyone can reach their full potential.
You: Our Ferndale community is the heart of our schools. It's you – the parents, students, teachers, staff, and all partners – who bring life and character to our educational journey. Your dedication, involvement, and unwavering support form the foundation of our success. Thank you for being an integral part of Ferndale Schools.
As we move forward into the coming weeks and months, let's carry the spirit of JOY with us. Let's approach challenges with resilience, welcome opportunities with open arms, and remember that at the heart of it all, it's the joy of learning, growing, and belonging that propels us forward.
Thank you for making the first week of this school year an exceptional one. Your commitment to our shared values is what makes Ferndale Schools a phenomenal place to learn and thrive. I look forward to the weeks ahead, as we continue to make a difference together.
Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend and a JOY-filled journey ahead.
With Joyful Eagle Pride
Dr. Bobbie Hayes Goodrum
Superintendent, Ferndale Schools
Greetings Fantastic, Energized, Resourceful, Neighborly, Dutiful, Accepting, Loving, and Engaged Ferndale Family!
What a remarkable school year! Thank you for your support and partnership during my first year as the Superintendent of Ferndale Schools. I have learned and grown a great deal this year, and I look towards the future with optimism and determination.
Our amazing students showed up and showed out this year! There has been tremendous growth and achievement academically, athletically, and artistically. We are so proud of all of their accomplishments. Each of our students deserve to be celebrated for their continued development.
I must also recognize our dedicated educators and staff members who have worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and engaging learning environment. Their creativity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to our students' success have been nothing short of inspiring.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone for this extraordinary year. There has been a great deal of change; but together, we have overcome challenges, adapted to new situations, and have been the model of a resilient and united community.
I wish you all a summer break filled with joy and laughter. Please take care of yourselves and each other. I look forward to welcoming you back for another incredible year of learning, growth, and shared accomplishments.
Until August,
Dr. Bobbie
Greetings Ferndale Family!
We made it to June! Most of us only have about a week left in this school year, but there is so much going on during this time. We are happy to be celebrating Pride Month, a time to celebrate and affirm the LGBTQIA+ community, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and acceptance within our district. We do not limit our honor and love for all people to any day or month, but we do want to acknowledge special occasions as they occur. We stand committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
Additionally, June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and community members. We recognize the importance of maintaining a secure learning environment, and we are dedicated to promoting responsible gun ownership and gun safety practices. Please consider attending our Gun Safety forum at University High School next week.
This has been a busy week. I attended the Zoo trip with the entire Ferndale Middle School. We held our commencement exercises for the graduating seniors of Ferndale High School, almost half of whom we recognized last week at the Honors Convocation. We are proud of all of our Eagles. I also had the pleasure of attending the FECC Block Party— I considered joining the break dancers but we are far too close to the end of the year for me to sustain an injury…
Parents, your input is always appreciated in improving our services and programs. Please watch for two surveys coming your way this week:
- Family School Relationship Surveys
- Food Service Surveys
Finally, we are extending the Convocation Crew application. Please encourage your middle and/or high school student(s) to apply to be a part of the student team that meets with the Superintendent and Board Members on a monthly basis and also makes periodic reports at Board of Education meetings. We value student voice in this district and we are looking for students to join us in this endeavor. The application can be found here.
There are many exciting events happening in the coming weeks, I hope to see you soon!
Dr. Bobbie
Superintendent's Address
Apples Everywhere at FECC
Ms. Shelby and Ms. Ana's Little Eagles preschool class at FECC learned about apples this week in preparation for their field trip to Blake's. At FECC playing is learning! Students participated in apple taste testing to find their favorite type. They used science tools such as scales and magnifying glasses to explore real apples. They even had their very own apple orchard in class where they could pick apples as well as buy and sell apples, donuts and pies!
FMS & FHS Host Curriculum Nights
Ferndale Middle School held its Curriculum Night on September 19, followed by FHS Curriculum Night on September 21, giving parents and guardians the opportunity to learn more about the curriculum and educational plans for their students. On behalf of Superintendent Goodrum and everyone at Ferndale Schools, We value your involvement in your child's education and thank you for your active participation.
Rhythm and Rhyme at FUEL
4th & 5th Grade Students at FUEL are learning new a hello song with Mrs. Duncanson, called "Hey Hey Hello". Students can identify the A & B sections in the song and can also show you where the snaps belong in our song. 4th and 5th grade musicians have also been working on saying and playing their names along with a book "My Name" written by a local Michigan author. Discussions about names and where our names come have been shared throughout the last couple of weeks.
Spreading Peace Through Music
Students at Lower celebrated International Day of Peace on Thursday through song. Ms. Krum and Mrs. Duncanson taught a variation of "I am Light" By India Arie. Ask your child to show you the movements that go along with the song, and how they can let their light shine from within.
Teachers Learn from 2nd Grade Students
2nd Graders in Mrs. Hayden's class are helping to train the next generation of teachers from Wayne State's Education program. Every Friday, three student teachers come to watch math and participate with math centers. The students love it and the pre student teachers do, too.
UHS Seniors Recommit to Success in Pinning Ceremony
On Thursday, 9/21 students at UHS and their families attended Senior Pinning Night. The ceremony honors the hard work and dedication of students and families in their educational careers thus far. Students pledge to honor their commitment to the community, their family, and their future. Families pledge to support their students in their future endeavors. Principal, Julie Patterson, spoke to students about being brave and trying new things, while also having a concrete focus for their future. Student speaker, Neveah Greene-Armstead, urged students to stay focused this year, not make excuses for shortcomings, and make Senior year a special one.
Superintendent Goodrum said, "This event is a meaningful tradition in our district, highlighting the achievements and promising futures of our graduating students." It was a wonderful night honoring and celebrating with our UHS family.
AVID Visits Eastern Michigan University
FHS AVID students visited Eastern Michigan University on September 15th to tour the campus, learn about programs offered and explore college life. Ninth through twelfth graders were able to see lecture halls, dorms, activity centers and other buildings across Eastern's campus with student tour guides to answer questions.
FMS & FHS PTO Hold First Fall Meeting
The FMS/FHS PTO Meeting took place on September 20, providing a platform for parents, teachers, and staff to collaborate and support our schools. Your commitment to our students is truly commendable.
