Welcome Letters & School Supplies
Even though we can't give you a high-five or a warm hug this year, we are glad to have our students continuing their education this fall. Building specific letters and information is contained below.
A Note on School Supplies:
Maintaining consistent organizational habits is just as important for students working from home. While we will be starting the school year all-digital, there will still be handouts and worksheets. Whether or not we are able to return to classrooms this school year, it is important to keep study materials organized and available as needed.
Seesaw Login Help
If you are having trouble when trying to login to your child's SeeSaw account, try the steps below:
- Open the Seesaw app or go to app.seesaw.me
- Select I'm a Student:
- IF USING MOBILE, you may see this screen. Select Google/Email Sign In at the bottom:
- IF USING MOBILE, you may see this screen. Select Google/Email Sign In at the bottom:
- Select Sign In With Google button at the top :
Daily Schedule
Learning from home is not learning alone, which is important for our youngest learners. Review our schedule below.
- All student virtual activities will be accessed through the SeeSaw Class app
- All school - home communications will be accessed through the SeeSaw Family app
FECC Schedule - webpage
FECC Schedule - Fall 2020 - PDF document
Google Account
All Ferndale School students have google accounts. Using a Single Sign-On process, students can access most learning resources by clicking Sign On Using Google buttons where available and entering student account info.
Students' Google/Network Login Information can be found on the MISTAR Student Profile page (you must search for student first) under the Network Login section. This is where you can locate students' email addresses and associated password.
Parents also have access to view this information on the MISTAR Parent Portal, under Network Login.
MISTAR & Communications
If you are not receiving communications from Remind via either email, phone, or text, you may need to update your contact information in MISTAR. To do this, or to use MISTAR for anything else, access your account through the MISTAR Student Connect Portal or MISTAR Parent Portal.
Lower Elementary
Ferndale Lower Elementary (FLower) is ready to welcome our students to the 2020-2021 school year. Read Principal Keefe's welcome letter for all the details.
Kindergarten & First Fives Storybook
Principal Keefe and the K-2 family have prepared a storybook to help our Kindergarten and First Fives students begin their journey at Ferndale Lower Elementary
Daily Schedule
Whether your student is learning from home or at a Learning Support Lab, the daily schedule will remain the same. Students are expected to be logged into synchronous learning sessions using Google Meet at the times specified on the schedule.
View the schedule on our Schedules webpage
Lower Elementary Essentials schedule
School Supplies
Most student supplies will be provided by the school this year. Additional optional items are included in the supply lists linked below.
Optional School Supply List - Webpage
Picture Order Form
Details regarding school picture day have been sent home to families. The school picture order form is below. Please print and return with your student if you wish to receive pictures.
Google Account
All Ferndale School students have google accounts. Using a Single Sign-On process, students can access most learning resources by clicking Sign On Using Google buttons where available and entering student account info.
Students' Google/Network Login Information can be found on the MISTAR Student Profile page (you must search for student first) under the Network Login section. This is where you can locate students' email addresses and associated password.
Parents also have access to view this information on the MISTAR Parent Portal, under Network Login.
MISTAR & Communications
If you are not receiving communications from Remind via either email, phone, or text, you may need to update your contact information in MISTAR. To do this, or to use MISTAR for anything else, access your account through the MISTAR Student Connect Portal or MISTAR Parent Portal.
Lower Elementary Optional School Supply Lists (Printable version linked above)
Kindergarten
The staff will provide the following materials for families:
- Yoobi kit (includes 6 pencils, child scissors, 3 erasers, 5 colored pencils, 2 glue sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 folder, 8 tiny crayons)
- Whiteboard and a dry erase marker
- Notebook
- Journeys workbooks
- Envision Math Books
- Letter and Number cards
- Book Bin and Pencil Box for supplies
The following are additional recommended items for home learning (but not required!):
- Earbuds or headphones
- Math manipulatives/counters
All learners need a quiet place to learn.
First Grade
The staff will provide the following materials for families:
- Yoobi kit (includes 6 pencils, 3 erasers, 5 colored pencils, 2 glue sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 folder, 8 tiny crayons, 1 6 inch ruler)
- Whiteboard and a dry erase marker
- Notebook
- Journeys workbooks and Readers
- Envision Math Books
- Book Bin and Pencil Box for supplies
The following are additional recommended items for home learning (but not required!):
- Post it notes
- Earbuds or headphones
- Math manipulatives/counters
- scissors
All learners need a quiet place to learn
Second Grade
The staff will provide the following materials for families:
- Yoobi kit (includes 6 pencils, 3 erasers, 5 colored pencils, 2 glue sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 folder, 8 tiny crayons, 1 6 inch ruler)
- Whiteboard and a dry erase marker
- Notebook
- Journeys workbooks and Readers
- Envision Math Books
- Book Bin and Pencil Box for supplies
The following are additional recommended items for home learning (but not required!):
- Post it notes
- Earbuds or headphones
- scissors
All learners need a quiet place to learn
Ferndale Upper Elementary (FUEL) is ready to start the new school year. Read the welcome letter from Principal Jeffrey below for all the details you need to know.
Daily Schedule
Whether your student is learning from home or at a Learning Support Lab, the daily schedule will remain the same. Students are expected to be logged into synchronous learning sessions using Google Meet at the times specified on the schedule.
View the schedule on our Schedules webpage
Montessori Schedule
The Montessori classroom has a different schedule, located at the link below.
View the schedule on our Schedules webpage
School Supplies
Most student supplies will be provided by the school this year. Additional optional items are included in the supply lists linked below.
School Pictures
Details regarding school picture day have been sent home to families. The school picture order form is below. Please print and return with your student if you wish to receive pictures.
Google Account
All Ferndale School students have google accounts. Using a Single Sign-On process, students can access most learning resources by clicking Sign On Using Google buttons where available and entering student account info.
Students' Google/Network Login Information can be found on the MISTAR Student Profile page (you must search for student first) under the Network Login section. This is where you can locate students' email addresses and associated password.
Parents also have access to view this information on the MISTAR Parent Portal, under Network Login.
MISTAR & Communications
If you are not receiving communications from Remind via either email, phone, or text, you may need to update your contact information in MISTAR. To do this, or to use MISTAR for anything else, access your account through the MISTAR Student Connect Portal or MISTAR Parent Portal.
FUEL Optional School Supply Lists (Printable version linked above)
Mrs. Williams’ Class
Bolded items are the MOST needed.
- spare set of clothes
- reusable water bottle
- Ziploc Bags (any brand and any size)
- - gallon, sandwich, snack size
- 2 boxes of tissue
- hand sanitizer
- paper towel
- paper plates
- liquid dish soap (also can be found at dollar store)
These donations also appreciated:
- Clorox wipes
- diaper wipes
- hand liquid soap
Montessori
The FUEL staff will provide the following materials:
- Yoobi kit (includes 6 pencils, 3 erasers, 5 colored pencils, 3 glue sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 folder, 8 tiny crayons, 1 6 inch ruler)
- 2 Highlighters
- Whiteboard and 3 dry erase markers
- Composition Notebook
- Graph paper
- Handwriting Without Tears Books
- Envision Math Books
Other materials may be available for pickup throughout the semester based on individual learning progress!
The following are additional recommended items for home learning (but not required!):
- Post it notes
- Earbuds or headphones
- A learning space at home
Third Grade
The FUEL staff will provide the following materials:
- Yoobi kit (includes 6 pencils, 3 erasers, 5 colored pencils, 3 glue sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 folder, 8 tiny crayons, 1 6 inch ruler)
- 2 Highlighters
- Measuring tape
- Whiteboard and 3 dry erase markers
- Composition Notebook
- Journeys Readers Notebooks & Writer’s Notebooks
- Envision Math Books
- Multiplication Chart
The following are additional recommended items for home learning (but not required!):
- Post it notes
- Earbuds or headphones
- Math manipulatives/counters
- A learning space at home (have your child get creative!)
Fourth Grade
The FUEL staff will provide the following materials:
- Yoobi kit (includes 6 pencils, 3 erasers, 5 colored pencils, 3 glue sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 folder, 8 tiny crayons, 1 6 inch ruler)
- 2 Highlighters
- Protractor
- Whiteboard and 3 dry erase markers
- Composition Notebook
- Journeys Readers Notebooks & Close Readers
- Envision Math Books
- Multiplication chart
The following are additional recommended items for home learning (but not required!):
- Post it notes
- Earbuds or headphones
- Math manipulatives or counters
- A learning space at home (have your child get creative!)
Fifth Grade
The FUEL staff will provide the following materials:
- Yoobi kit (includes 6 pencils, 3 erasers, 5 colored pencils, 3 glue sticks, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 folder, 8 tiny crayons, 1 6 inch ruler)
- 2 Highlighters
- Whiteboard and 3 dry erase markers
- Composition Notebook
- Journeys Readers Notebooks & Close Readers
- Envision Math Books
- Multiplication chart
The following are additional recommended items for home learning (but not required!):
- Post it notes
- Earbuds or headphones
- Math manipulatives or counters
- A learning space at home (have your child get creative!)
Ferndale Middle School
Ferndale Middle School will be proceeding according to Secondary education guidelines with all virtual learning for the first semester of 2020. Read about important dates and info in Principal Petty's welcome letter below
- FMS Day One - August 31st, 2020 - PDF Document
- FMS Day One - August 31st, 2020 - Webpage
- FMS Welcome Letter
Grade Level Newsletters
6th, 7th, and 8th grade teachers are now publishing a weekly newsletter. You can view the newsletter on the FMS News page.
Learning Support Labs
Our Board of Education has approved an in-person Learning Support Lab at each of our buildings beginning September 14th. The lab is for students who need internet access or assistance navigating our online system for the first semester. Please note that these are not in-person instruction - students will be socially distanced with masks 10 feet apart in the commons area and will have access to a workstation with a computer to complete their synchronous (online) learning with their teachers. Learn more in the letter below.
Google Account
All Ferndale School students have google accounts. Using a Single Sign-On process, students can access most learning resources by clicking Sign On Using Google buttons where available and entering student account info.
Students' Google/Network Login Information can be found on the MISTAR Student Profile page (you must search for student first) under the Network Login section. This is where you can locate students' email addresses and associated password.
Parents also have access to view this information on the MISTAR Parent Portal, under Network Login.
MISTAR & Communications
If you are not receiving communications from Remind via either email, phone, or text, you may need to update your contact information in MISTAR. To do this, or to use MISTAR for anything else, access your account through the MISTAR Student Connect Portal or MISTAR Parent Portal.
Middle school students will need:
- A trapper keeper
- 4 spiral notebooks (one each: red, yellow, blue, green)
- 4 pocket folders (one each: red, yellow, blue, green)
- 1 student planner
- 10 pencils
- 4 blue ball point pens
- 5 erasers
Ferndale High School
FHS is welcoming our new Principal, Radhika Issac. Read her letter below for all the information you need to know before the start of the school year 2020-2021.
- Learning Labs, Testing, Tech Support & More - September 9, 2020
- FHS Fall 2020 Start Letter - August 26, 2020
- FHS Fall 2020 Start Letter - August 26, 2020
Picture ID & Tech Pick-Up
Though we will be virtual for the 1st semester it is important that we have student ID’s. The Class of 2021 will be taking Senior ID and Gown pictures on August 27th. Students will also have the opportunity to pick up Chromebooks if needed. Details and schedule are in the document linked below.
FHS Picture ID/Tech Pick-Up Letter
Learning Support Labs
Our Board of Education has approved an in-person Learning Support Lab at each of our buildings beginning September 14th. The lab is for students who need internet access or assistance navigating our online system for the first semester. Please note that these are not in-person instruction - students will be socially distanced with masks 10 feet apart in the commons area and will have access to a workstation with a computer to complete their synchronous (online) learning with their teachers. Learn more in the letter below.
Location
FHS Commons
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 9:45am - 2pm
Safety
Mask
- All will wear a mask (unless eating) while in the building.
Temperature Check
- Students will have their temperature checked prior to entry into the building.
- Students with a temperature greater than 100.3 will be moved to the Dance Studio and Choir Room for pick-up.
Learning Support Labs are a drop-in service. Students may attend on any or all days of the week (Monday - Thursday). They will stay for the entire day (9:45 - 2:00pm).
Daily Schedule
Whether your student is learning from home or at a Learning Support Lab, the daily schedule will remain the same. Students are expected to be logged into synchronous learning sessions using Google Meet at the times specified on the schedule.
View the schedule on our Schedules webpage Printable Secondary Schedule
Monthly Material Pick-Up
Each month students will have an opportunity to pick up any materials needed for their classes.
- Each student’s teacher will let them know if they have specific materials to pick up for their class.
- There will be some general supplies available for those that may need them. These include pencils, erasers, folders, rulers, and coloring materials.
- The pick up dates are 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, and 12/11.
- 9-10am Last Names A-G
- 10-11am Last Names H - M
- 12-1pm Last Names N - S
- 1-2pm Last Names T - Z
- Students will enter the building at the student parking lot entrance and exit through the Commons. There will be tables set up along the path.
Freshman Orientation
Hello Class of 2024!
Please view the recordings below of our Virtual FHS Freshman Orientation from Friday, August 21, 2020. This orientation was presented by by Mr. Butler (Vice Principal/Athletic Director) and Mr. Bruner (Vice Principal).
Freshman Orientation - Last Names A-M Upcoming Dates
- September 4: NO SCHOOL
- September 7: NO SCHOOL
- September 11: Materials Pick Up Day for students who have been notified by their teacher and / or need general school supplies.
- September 14: Start of FHS in-person Learning Support Labs, Monday - Thursday, 9:45am - 2pm.
- September 24: Curriculum Night and Senior Parent Night. Please note that senior parents will be able to attend both.
- October 14: Parent Teacher Conferences will be held virtually 5:00-8:00pm.
- October 14: Picture ID make up, Senior Gown Photos will be available at FHS. 2:30-6:30pm.
- October 15: Parent Teacher Conferences will be held virtually 5:00-8:00pm.
- October 16: Half Day of School
Google Account
All Ferndale School students have google accounts. Using a Single Sign-On process, students can access most learning resources by clicking Sign On Using Google buttons where available and entering student account info.
Students' Google/Network Login Information can be found on the MISTAR Student Profile page (you must search for student first) under the Network Login section. This is where you can locate students' email addresses and associated password.
Parents also have access to view this information on the MISTAR Parent Portal, under Network Login.
MISTAR & Communications
If you are not receiving communications from Remind via either email, phone, or text, you may need to update your contact information in MISTAR. To do this, or to use MISTAR for anything else, access your account through the MISTAR Student Connect Portal or MISTAR Parent Portal.
FHS Freshman Orientation Videos
Freshman - Last Names A-M
Freshman - Last Names N-Z
University High School
UHS is welcoming our new Principal, and it is a familiar face: David Gardner. Read his letter below for all the information you need to know before the start of the school year 2020-2021.
Learning Support Labs
Our Board of Education has approved an in-person Learning Support Lab at each of our buildings beginning September 14th. The lab is for students who need internet access or assistance navigating our online system for the first semester. Please note that these are not in-person instruction - students will be socially distanced with masks 10 feet apart in the commons area and will have access to a workstation with a computer to complete their synchronous (online) learning with their teachers. Learn more in the letter below.
Learning Support Lab Sign-up - October 2020
Learning Support Lab Sign-up - November 2020
Daily Schedule
Whether your student is learning from home or at a Learning Support Lab, the daily schedule will remain the same. Students are expected to be logged into synchronous learning sessions using Google Meet at the times specified on the schedule.
School Bussing
Bussing to and from Learning Support Labs will be available. Please fill out the application form below to be registered.
Google Account
All Ferndale School students have google accounts. Using a Single Sign-On process, students can access most learning resources by clicking Sign On Using Google buttons where available and entering student account info.
Students' Google/Network Login Information can be found on the MISTAR Student Profile page (you must search for student first) under the Network Login section. This is where you can locate students' email addresses and associated password.
Parents also have access to view this information on the MISTAR Parent Portal, under Network Login.
MISTAR & Communications
If you are not receiving communications from Remind via either email, phone, or text, you may need to update your contact information in MISTAR. To do this, or to use MISTAR for anything else, access your account through the MISTAR Student Connect Portal or MISTAR Parent Portal.
Tri-County Educational Center
The TCEC is now offering an all-virtual Middle School option in addition to our core High School learning models for students and adults. Principal Karl Khoury has more important dates in the letter and notes below.
Important TCEC Dates
Student Technology Pick-up:
September 10th is the final pick-up date for students who need to borrow a chromebook or other technology for the coming school year. Technology pick-ups will be completed at the main entrance of Ferndale High School (871 Pinecrest, Ferndale, MI 48220). Please remember that you must be wearing a mask in order to enter the building. We ask that you please fill out the Technology Needs Survey prior to coming.
| September 10th | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm |
**If you are a returning student and received technology last year, you are asked to hold onto that technology for the 2020-2021 school year or bring it to the technology pick-up to exchange**
First Day of School:
- Monday, August 31, 2020
First Day of Synchronous Learning:
- Monday, September 8, 2020
Count Period:
- Wednesday, October 7 - Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Google Account
All Ferndale School students have google accounts. Using a Single Sign-On process, students can access most learning resources by clicking Sign On Using Google buttons where available and entering student account info.
Students' Google/Network Login Information can be found on the MISTAR Student Profile page (you must search for student first) under the Network Login section. This is where you can locate students' email addresses and associated password.
Parents also have access to view this information on the MISTAR Parent Portal, under Network Login.
MISTAR & Communications
If you are not receiving communications from Remind via either email, phone, or text, you may need to update your contact information in MISTAR. To do this, or to use MISTAR for anything else, access your account through the MISTAR Student Connect Portal or MISTAR Parent Portal.
Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC)
Beginning on Thursday, November 5th, Ferndale Schools students enrolled in Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) will be asked to attend on-site lessons on Thursday and Friday. The Monday–Wednesday will be asynchronous instruction.
Safety Precautions
To mitigate risk in safely reopening OSTC, districts have been assigned Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday attendance schedules. Ferndale Schools students will attend Thursday-Friday.
- Enrollment will be kept to half capacity.
- Additional measrues will be in place to maximize student and staff safety (smaller “bubble”)
Live ZOOM sessions/online instruction will no longer occur as of 11/5/2020 in each program (although pre-recorded content may be available.) Only asynchronous curriculum will be offered on off-site days.
Choosing to Stay Home
Students not able/not comfortable with returning to Face-to-Face learning will not be penalized for the remainder of the semester. However, it is possible for a student to receive a failing grade if they do not complete the asynchronous work during this time.
Presuming the continuation of the hybrid schedule for Second Semester, students not willing or able to participate in the face-to-face learning days by the beginning of 2nd semester will be disenrolled in OSTC courses for the second semester. School counselors will assist these students with finding alternative courses for second semester.
MISTAR
If you are not receiving communications from Remind via either email, phone, or text, you may need to update your contact information in MISTAR. To do this, or to use MISTAR for anything else, access your account through the MISTAR Student Connect Portal or MISTAR Parent Portal.
Free Internet Essentials from Comcast & Ferndale Schools
Through a partnership with Xfinity, qualifying households can get free home internet essentials package including a modem and wireless router at no additional cost. Monthly subscription fees will be covered by the district at a reduced rate through this Internet Essentials Partnership Program. Eligibility terms and application is available from Comcast's website!
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined my Comcast's Internet Essentials terms and conditions:
-
Household must qualify for programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others
-
Live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available
-
Have not had Comcast Internet in the last 90 days
-
Households who owe money to Comcast may still qualify if approved by 12/31/20
Promo Code Request
During the application process, you must enter a unique promo code, provided to you by Ferndale Schools. To request a promo code, contact Aubria Agnello at Aubrie.Agnello@oakland.k12.mi.us.
Tech Support
Ferndale Schools is provided Tech Support services through Oakland Schools, or Intermediate School District. There are multiple ways to contact them.
osservicedesk@oakland.k12.mi.us
Live Chat & Service Ticket Tracking
Create an account in the ticketing system with just your e-mail address so you can enter, update and track your technology requests, and receive Live Chat help.
Phone
During this time of the year, Oakland Schools is experiencing extremely high call volumes and encourages you to enter tickets through the customer portal or email to avoid long wait times on hold,
- (248)209-2060