June 9, 2023

Happy Homecoming Ferndale Family!

This has been an exciting week! UHS and FHS had Spirit Week and our staff and students had a great time dressing up for the theme days. As I write this, the weather looks a little gloomy, but I am hopeful that we will not have rain for our activities this afternoon. Rain or shine, I hope to see you at the Homecoming Parade and game!

I am thrilled to have met and spoken to so many families this week at Parent-Teacher Conferences at UHS, FHS and FMS and Field Day/Walkathon at FUEL. Family and community engagement is a critical component to a successful school district and I am JOYful about our high levels of involvement. 

Although our focus this year is on JOY, we know that there are times and events that cause adults and children alike to have heightened anxiety, stress and tension. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is an extraordinarily complex issue and our students may be viewing videos or interacting with social media posts that are disturbing and frightening. We know that our caregivers are having thoughtful conversations about these events, but we know that these topics can be very difficult to navigate. Here are two resources that many families and educators have found helpful.

• Resources from NASP
• Resources from NPR

​​​​​​​Remember, we are here to support and assist you and your student in any way possible. 

With Eagle Pride and JOY

Dr. Bobbie

As the days get cooler and the leaves begin to change, we want to wish everyone a Happy Fall. It's a season of new beginnings and fresh opportunities, and we can't wait to see what this school year holds for our students and staff. We are excited to bring you the latest updates from Ferndale Schools.

Facilities Committee Meeting: Our recent Facilities Committee meeting was a resounding success! We had great discussions and explored possible solutions to preserve Ferndale's beloved chimney swifts. We're committed to involving our students and the community in Problem-Based Learning as we work on this important project.

Collaboration for Safety and Parking: Ferndale Schools is proud to collaborate closely with the City of Ferndale and the Ferndale Police Department to enhance safety and parking in and around our campuses. Together, we're making our community a safer place for everyone. Please remember to adhere to all posted parking and standing ordinances. There is no parking on Pinecrest in front of the FHS/FMS campus - this is for safety and proper flow of traffic. Please help us to keep Ferndale safe and our community happy.

AASA 3-Day Activity in Tempe, Arizona: This week I participated in a 3-day activity with the School Superintendents Association (AASA) in Tempe, Arizona. This event focused on communications, safety, and enrichment solutions, allowing me to bring innovative ideas back to Ferndale Schools.

At Ferndale Schools, we believe that JOY matters! We're dedicated to creating a joyful and engaging learning environment for all our students. Stay tuned for exciting updates on how we're spreading JOY throughout the school year. Read below for some amazing examples on how we are making sure that Jubilance, Opportunity and You are paramount in our decisions. Thank you for your continued support of Ferndale Schools. Together, we're making a positive impact on our community and providing the best possible education for our students.

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