Planting the Seeds of Kindergarten for Fall Blooming at FLower

This week, the adults and families of our Ferndale Lower Elementary kindergartners were invited to participate in music class. Kindergarten music students— led by Mrs. Duncanson—hosted informal performances (AKA “informances”) for parents and families. Students showed how they sing hello, participate in story time, play glockenspiels, and move throughout their movement space. Families of our Kindergartners were able to see first hand how music education begins in our school.

Miss Grammatico and her 2nd graders put on their "Making the Band" concert on Tuesday night. The students sang songs such as "We Got the Beat," "Twist and Shout," "Footloose," "Stand by Me," and "Dancing in the Street." The students shined on stage, rocking out with their inflatable guitars! They even had the audience shining lights on them because they were all shining stars! It was an amazing night.

Superintendent Goodrum, her cabinet, and several members of the Board of Education surprised select teachers and support staff with gifts this week as part of a Teacher and Support Staff of the Year award presentation. You can view photos of the honorees below. We are so proud of these outstanding educators and team members who make student growth so spectacular at Ferndale Schools.

FECC Teacher of the Year: Shelby Martin

FECC Support Staff of the Year: Jennifer Krycian

Ferndale Lower Elementary Teacher of the Year: Glynis Tyler

Ferndale Lower Elementary Support Staff of the Year: Megan Meloche

Ferndale Upper Elementary Teacher of the Year: Anton Gjonaj

Ferndale Upper Elementary Support Staff of the Year: Raequan Allen

Ferndale Middle School Teacher of the Year: Bridget Guerra

Ferndale Middle School Special Education Teacher of the Year: Brad Tanguay

Ferndale Middle Support Staff of the Year: Geraldine Perry and Katelyn O'Bear

Ferndale High School Teacher of the Year: Michael Hand

Ferndale High School Teacher of the Year: Kandis Pagonas 

Ferndale High School Support Staff of the Year: Sharon Stone

University High School Teacher of the Year: Lauren Thomas

UHS Support Staff of the Year: Flaudia Quaker (unpictured)

TCEC Teacher of the Year: Ellie Kotulis

TCEC Support Staff of the Year: Roger Hunt (unpictured)

Central Office Support Staff of the Year: Tammy Foster

Bus Driver of the Year: Wendy Gambill

Bus Driver of the Year: Erricka Thomas

Bus Driver of the Year: Nikki Anderson

Ferndale Lower was visited once again by several residents of Upland Hills Farm of Oxford, MI! Students were invited to pet cows, geese, and several baby animals. We are so thankful for our community partners that bring these enriching experiences to our students.

Elementary families gathered at Skate World of Troy for another annual Skate Night event, hosted by the Ferndale Elementary Parent Teacher Organization. THank you, PTO, for an amazing night of community fun with our Ferndale Family!

It’s planting time!  2nd Grade Teachers in Ms. Hayden and Ms. Moorfoot classrooms worked together to start the seedlings for the outdoor garden/learning space. The two teachers are part of the Big Green Garden Committee at Ferndale Lower Elementary school. Students started seeds that will be transplanted into the gardens next month, with warmer temperatures. 

Our school nickname is FLower, and we prefer the kind of blooms that produce fruit. The 2nd grade students planted corn, beans, tomatoes, cucumber, and zucchini. Students also planted radishes, because we love those spicy, crunchy snacks. Next we will get the garden beds weeded and ready for planting. Feel free to stop by over the summer and weed, harvest, and watch them grow!