@Farmington 11.18.22

November 18, 2022

On Tuesday, November 8, four community members were re-elected to serve on the Farmington Public Schools’ Board of Education

Six residents ran for the three, six-year terms. The candidates were: T.R. Carr, Bjorn Olson, Donna Swoboda along with incumbents Angie Smith, Donald Walker, and Terri Ann Weems. These terms begin January 2023 and end in 2029.

Angie Smith, Donald Walker, and Terri Weems were re-elected to serve on the Board.

Incumbent Claudia Heinrich and Michelle Bushey ran for the partial term ending on December 31, 2024. The top vote getter in the election was Claudia Heinrich.

The four elected officials will be sworn in at the January 10, 2022 Board of Education Meeting.

Congratulations

Angie Smith

Congratulations

Donald Walker

Congratulations

Terri Weems

Congratulations

Claudia Heinrich

Tonya Corbitt selected as the new principal

for Lanigan Elementary School

Tonya Corbitt has been selected to serve as the new principal for Lanigan Elementary School. Tonya was introduced at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, October 25.

Tonya has been serving as the Assistant Principal at North Farmington High School since 2015 and for the past two months has been serving as Interim Principal. Prior to coming to North, Tonya was the Assistant Principal at Warner Upper Elementary School since 2010. She began her career in Farmington Public Schools as a social studies teacher in 1998.

Tonya earned her Bachelor of Science, Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University, her Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University, and her Education Specialist in School Administration and Leadership from Oakland University.

“I am excited to continue my leadership journey as a part of Farmington Public Schools especially at Lanigan Elementary School,” stated Tonya. “I look forward to working closely with Lanigan students, parents, staff, and community members. Let’s go Eagles!”

“As a longtime, dedicated employee of Farmington Public Schools, I am very excited that Tonya will be able to apply her years of experience to leading the Lanigan school family!” stated Superintendent Chris Delgado, Ph.D.

Congratulations, Tonya!

Dr. LaTeresa Hurley selected as the new principal for Farmington

Central High School

Dr. LaTeresa Hurley has been selected as the new principal for Farmington Central High School. Dr. Hurley comes to Farmington Public Schools from Detroit Public Schools Community District where she has served as an assistant principal since 2014. She began at Central on October 17.

Dr. Hurley earned her Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Henry Ford College. She then earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education - Child Development and her Masters in Education - Reading from Marygrove College. She then earned her Ed. S in Educational Leadership and her Ed. D in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University.

"We are very excited to welcome Dr. Hurley to our team,” stated Superintendent Christopher Delgado. “Her passion and commitment to students and families at both Central and our Adult ESL program were evident throughout her interview process, and we know she will find a home for a long time with us here in FPS."

“I am thrilled to join Farmington Public Schools,” stated Dr. Hurley. “I am honored to be chosen as the new principal of Farmington Central High School. I look forward to partnering with staff, parents, and the community to positively impact the lives of our students.”

Congratulations, LaTeresa!

Robert Kauffman, Hillside Elementary Principal, named

as a 2022 National

Distinguished Principal

by the National Association of Elementary School Principals

Robert Kauffman, Hillside Elementary School Principal, was named a 2022 National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Kauffman is one of 41 exemplary principals from across the nation named for this award.

The NAESP honors a select group of outstanding elementary and middle school level administrators that set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for their students, families, and staff in their learning communities. These principals were celebrated in Washington, D.C., for two days of events that culminated in an award banquet to honor their accomplishments.

Robert Kauffman has a 26-year career of principalship where he became known for many amazing attributes including his commitment and passion to every student he serves. In his current six-year tenure as principal of Hillside Elementary School, he has manifested this commitment through strong instructional leadership and an embrace of the school’s diverse student population.

Kauffman has implemented many practices to make all students feel at home within Hillside. He has done this through targeted family outreach, and in-depth work in Professional Learning Communities in order to build awareness of programs like DreamKings and Pretty Brown Girls. These programs encourage students to be the change they want to see in their community.

The efforts by Kauffman were also recognized by the National PTA with the 2021 Jan Harp Domene Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Hillside was the first school in Michigan to use the National SAM Innovation Project which helps track the distribution of leadership capacity. This program has allowed Kauffman to increase time spent on instruction from 38 percent to 60 percent while implementing the Collaborative Classroom Model of observation.

Kauffman's efforts make Hillside Elementary a welcoming and happy place for all of its students. Over the next few years, Kauffman will help guide Hillside in becoming a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. Lighthouse recognition is awarded to a school based on the results a school attains in student achievement and its impact on staff, students, parents, and the school community.

Criteria for selection of the principals require that the honorees are active principals of schools where programs are designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students and where there are firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations.

Congratulations, Mr. Kauffman! The entire FPS community is so proud to have you. Thank you for all the amazing work you do!

Roxanne Fitzpatrick named as Farmington Public Schools’ 2022-2023 Senior Adult Extraordinaire

On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, Farmington Public Schools (FPS) honored Roxanne Fitzpatrick as the 2022-2023 Senior Extraordinaire Award winner at the District's Annual Senior Adult Breakfast. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Delgado presented Roxanne with the award at this year’s breakfast.

Since 2006, FPS has been honoring distinguished senior adults that volunteer their time and talents to enhance educational activities for students in our District. Roxanne has been volunteering with the District for more than 10 years and was nominated due to her work with Gill Elementary School.

Roxanne was chosen because of her love of the District and her track record of doing anything and everything she can to support students within FPS. She contributes to a variety of organizations that promote students and their interests. She is the Junior Optimist Coordinator for Gill Elementary where last year they had the largest number of junior optimists participating. Over the years, Roxanne has been involved in a number of community organizations such as the Miss Farmington Pageant, as well as volunteering in our schools. Her work within these organizations demonstrates the joys of leadership and community service, which she hopes sets a good example for students.

Roxanne’s willingness to go above and beyond for student success is one of the many reasons she was selected at the Senior Adult Extraordinaire. She recognizes the importance of outside activities and their impact on a child's life. When the local baseball club, the South Farmington Blues, was threatening a shutdown from lack of leadership and support, Roxanne jumped in and took over the program for the season.

“I truly can not think of a more deserving person for this award than Roxanne Fitzpatrick. She is the embodiment of community service and leading by example,” said Gill Elementary Principal, Christina Suliman. “Roxanne's enthusiasm for all things Farmington and for teaching our children what the true meaning of giving is, is infectious. I am so grateful for all she does for Gill and our larger Farmington community.”

Roxanne had more than 20 friends and family members surrounding her at the Senior Adult Breakfast as she was presented her award. Overcome with emotion, Roxanne said “I love this award and I love Farmington Public Schools.”

Please join us in extending a huge congratulations to Roxanne Fitzpatrick! Thank you for always going above and beyond in supporting our students.

FPS Director of Facilities Management & Transportation,

Jon Barth, earns MSBO certification

Jon Barth, Farmington Public Schools’ (FPS) Director of Facilities Management & Transportation, earned his Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) certification from the Certified Facilities Director (CFD) program.

Barth completed 90 hours of training to receive this certification. The program is a mark of distinction that reflects professional achievement and demonstrates a person’s dedication to his/her profession.

There are many benefits from participating in a MSBO certification program including access to information and resources to succeed in your field, and offers practical overviews of key areas of law, regulations, and practices to be better prepared for your day-to-day job functions tailored to schools in Michigan. The program also allows for various training practices and provides insights on advancing professionalism for Facility Directors.

"Recognition as a certified facilities director, which requires a school leadership position as well as 90 hours of certification hours, means a great deal to me and to others throughout the state who have achieved this status,” said Barth. “The five year renewal process includes conferences and classes in mechanical systems, construction, facilities purchasing and finance, safe schools and industry trends. For me personally, the Michigan School Business Officials' designation shows a commitment to facilities management best practices, and more importantly, to student achievement and student and staff well-being."

The Farmington Remote & Virtual Department is now Farmington Online

Did you know that online class options have been offered in Farmington Public Schools for more than a decade? Online programming is not about the pandemic, and it is here to stay!

Every year, hundreds of Farmington students take one or more virtual classes. Virtual classes offer students opportunities for flexible scheduling, self-paced learning, and the ability to take unique classes that would otherwise be unavailable in person.

Farmington Online offers a full-time Virtual Program, where classes are self-paced, computer-based, and supported by Farmington teacher-mentors. In the Remote Live program, classes feature live teacher-led instruction via Google Meets, and follow the traditional school day.

Online programming is a great choice for elite athletes, students who thrive in an online environment, frequent travelers, or students with health concerns. Farmington Online also offers families the opportunity to homeschool full time, tuition-free, with access to Farmington certified teachers and the rigorous Farmington curriculum.

Introducing the new "Zen Den" that Warner Middle School designed in their Counseling Office

This area is nice for students who suffer with anxiety - a place that is calm and welcoming. There is a sound machine, anxiety games, low calming lighting, stress relief toys, etc. So far the students are using it and saying it is very helpful when they are stressed and have anxiety. This was all possible by the Title IV grant - through Chris O'Brien. It was designed by the Warner Counseling Office: Abby Lorion, Elisa Maher,

and Laura Galloway.

Oakland County Health Division Urges Residents Who Have Cold Symptoms to Limit Interaction with Children at High Risk for Severe RSV Illness

Children 4-years-old and younger are the largest group of patients visiting emergency rooms.

Children at high risk for severe RSV disease include premature infants, children younger than 2 years old who have chronic lung or heart conditions, and children with weakened immune systems.

Seek immediate medical attention if a child or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds.

Pontiac, Michigan – A sharp increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases within the last month is prompting Oakland County Health Division to urge residents to protect themselves against the illness. Children 4-years-old and younger are the largest group of patients visiting emergency rooms in Southeast Michigan for respiratory illnesses such as RSV and other viruses.

"RSV is affecting our youngest, more vulnerable residents," Oakland County Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said. "We are concerned about RSV, flu and COVID-19 all being widespread as we move into the winter. Get your COVID and flu vaccines when eligible and wash your hands often."

Nationally, RSV cases are peaking early, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance. They normally peak in winter.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be particularly serious for infants and older adults. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year old in the United States.

To help prevent the spread of RSV and other viruses, the Health Division recommends the following best practices:

Get vaccinated/boosted for influenza and COVID-19
Stay home if sick, even when testing negative for COVID-19
Wear a mask if sick and being around others is unavoidable
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils with others
Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands

People with cold-like symptoms should limit interaction with children at high risk for severe RSV disease, including premature infants, children younger than 2 years old who have chronic lung or heart conditions, and children with weakened immune systems. If this is not possible, carefully follow the prevention steps mentioned above.

Signs and symptoms of severe RSV infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing
Struggling to breathe — chest muscles and skin pull inward with each breath
Cough
Poor feeding
Unusual tiredness
Irritability

Seek immediate medical attention if a child or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds.

For more information about RSV, go to the Health Division's website at www.oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com. Nurse on Call is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

We are SO proud of each and every one of our schools for the work they do and our community NEEDS to see it. We would love to highlight your events, projects, experiments, games, clubs, recess, and students overall.

Please send photos you take to diane.bauman@fpsk12.net or courtney.ohara@fpsk12.net so we can share them out on social media.

Want us to come take photos for your events? We can!

H.E.A.R.T. of Farmington:

Helping Educators Attain Resources to Teach

For the new Jotform link, QR code, and contact information, download and open the flyer HERE.

IN THE NEWS

The "In the News Section" is a compilation of news stories about Farmington Public Schools. We feel it is an important resource for staff to know what is in the news.

Voters asked to restore schools’ millage

Voters within the Farmington Public Schools district will be asked to reinstate the district’s non-homestead millage this November in order for it to receive its full per-pupil annual allowance.