Join the City of Ferndale for a 2-day interactive virtual summit where we will be exploring the vision of our city, together. Participate in three (3) Virtual Community Summit sessions on October 26th and 27th. RSVP below (note there are separate RSVP links for each session) and be sure to share with your friends and neighbors. In case you cannot attend, these sessions will be recorded and posted online at a later date.

Plan Ferndale - Virtual Community Summit – October 26 & 27

• October 26, 2021 (6pm-8pm) - Plan Ferndale Virtual Summit - "Unpacking Development" session (RSVP on Eventbrite) (Facebook link)
• October 27, 2021 (3pm-5pm) - Plan Ferndale Virtual Summit - "Equitable Open Space" session (RSVP on Eventbrite) (Facebook link)
• October 27, 2021 (6pm-8pm) - Plan Ferndale Virtual Summit - "Climate & Resiliency" session (RSVP on Eventbrite) (Facebook link)

On October 12th 2021, the University High School Chapter of The National Honor Society proudly inducted our newest members. The outdoor event was widely attended by the family members of the inductees as well as University High School staff and administration including Superintendent Bazzi.  University High School is extremely proud of the newest National Honor Society Inductees as well as all of the UHS NHS members both past and present as they continue to set the standards for character, service, leadership and academics for all of our students.

The Ferndale High School NHS Induction Ceremony will be on November 16th.

Our newest members include:

Next week will be Parent Teacher Conferences for middle school and high school families. This is an important opportunity for parents to interact with teachers and focus directly on your student. At kidshealth.org, there are some helpful steps you can take for before, during, and after the conference. The article reminds us that:

Kids and teens do better in school when parents and guardians get involved. Attending parent–teacher conferences is one way to be involved and help your child succeed.

A parent–teacher conference is a great opportunity to:

• discuss your child's progress
• share your child's strengths and needs
• work with the teacher to help your child do well in school

Read the Full Article at KidsHealth.org

UHS Biology-1 students gained hands-on experience in a field study at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve. Our in-person and our online students were able to meet up and explore parts of the 42-acre woodlands, forested wetlands and native meadows which overlook the beautiful five-acre Carpenter Lake.

Students enjoyed the beautiful weather as they were able to track animals; sketch, identify, and observe various tree bark; and investigate organisms both large and small. Students were also able to use technology to identify invasive species, analyze human impact on the man-made lake, and identify the calls of the Least Flycatcher: a bird that was located only one other time within the area.   

"It was wonderful to show students how a biologist actually works in the field," explains Mr. Maki, UHS Biology Teacher. "We focused on mindfulness this year and were able to allow our brains to slow down enough to actually experience biological concepts of inquiry, data, and observations in real hands-on, project-based investigations. Students had such a good time that they begged to stay in the trails longer!"

Families lined the streets of 9 Mile and Pinecrest to welcome the 2021 Eagle Pride Homecoming Parade last Friday. Students joined their classmates and teachers to carry banners down the main streets, led by the Golden Eagle Marching Band.

The Eagle Pride Tailgate once again featured free music and an inflatable slide, as well as local food trucks and games for community members. Thanks to everyone for coming out to celebrate with us. #FlyHighEagles

University High School students can now enjoy outdoor seating during the day. The metal, weather proof tables are outside of the building near the UHS Learning Garden.

As the weather grows colder and traditional flu season approaches, please remember that it is essential that we do not send students to school if they are not feeling well. In addition to traditional signs of illness, we are asking you to watch for these symptoms of potential illness due to unique coronaviruses in circulation.

If your students are exhibiting any of the following symptoms, please keep them at home until 24-48 hours after the symptoms are gone:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• new loss of taste or smell

Earlier this week, we received updated guidance from MDHHS with regards to our quarantining process with regards to close contacts of a COVID-19 positive case.

In the past, we have been advised by MDHHS and Oakland County Health Department to quarantine any close contacts (within 3 feet for 15 minutes, unvaccinated) of a COVID-19 positive case for 10 days.

However, this week, MDHHS revised their guidance.  We are no longer required to quarantine every close contact, provided that:

• masks were being worn by both parties
  • the COVID-19 positive individual
  • the individual close contact
• the close contact is asymptomatic
• the close contact agrees to be tested each day prior to entering the school building (7 days).

Close contacts who were eating lunch with masks removed will most likely not qualify for this new guidance, because masks were removed for a significant portion of the contact time (over 15 minutes.)

MDHHS is also supplying free rapid tests for us to use to conduct this testing, so it will be free of charge for all families.

While we are eager to comply with this new guidance in order to minimize the impact on students and families, it will take some time to initiate this protocol. Our plan is to create a central testing location at Ferndale High School which will offer daily rapid testing for any students deemed a close contact from 7:30 am–9:30 am each morning. We hope to begin offering this within the next week, provided we are able to secure enough tests to begin.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this new process.

The UHS media center went through a much needed transformation over the summer. The new media center now has two student-centered breakout spaces, an enlarged computer lab and additional offices. These spaces have also been outfitted with collaborative and modern furnishings.

Construction 

UHS held its second annual Drive-Thru Celebration for its seniors on 5/26. Students and families showed up to enjoy music, ice cream, and shout-outs from their teachers, support staff, and MC/Principal Mr. Gardner. Congratulations UHS class of 2021! "U" made it!

FHS and Bloom Pediatrics will be hosting a 12+ vaccination clinic on Thursday, May 20th.

Register Here

The Pfizer vaccine will be provided, and will require a second dose on June 10th. Parents must Complete This Consent Form for all students, and bring it the day of the clinic or email to ferndalevaccine@bloompediatricsmi.com

There are 250 total vaccine doses available. Register now!

Every year, we present the annual state of the district. To celebrate some of the innovations and adaptations we have developed during building closures, we are presenting the State of the District as a series of short videos, available for asynchronous viewing.

View the 2021 State of the District Mixtapes, which can be viewed altogether or clicked through in any order.

• Preschool at FECC
• Elementary (Lower & Upper)
• Secondary (FMS, FHS, TCEC, & UHS)
• Your District, Today & Tomorrow

The links are live at FerndaleSchools.org/2021.