FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
OXFORD DK-8, BRIDGES SCHOOLS SAFELY, SECURELY RE-OPEN FOR STUDENTS
Staff welcome elementary, middle school, and Bridges students for half-day after tragic event
Oxford, MI - December 10, 2021– With arms wide open, staff warmly greeted students at the DK-8 and Bridges Oxford Community Schools buildings on Friday for the safe, secure, and soft re-opening of those schools. The students returned to hugs, therapy dogs, and a winter wonderland in their hallways.
With the safety and security of students as the guiding light in planning for this half-day of school, additional staff from Oakland Schools, law enforcement, professionally trained trauma specialists, and a private security firm were on site. The district was also honored to have service men and women from the Selfridge Air Force Base who selflessly volunteered today in our buildings.
“As we developed our soft return to learning, we listened carefully to district families, staff members, trained grief counselors, mental health experts, security consultants, faith leaders law enforcement, and other schools across the nation who have experienced similar tragedies,” said Oxford Superintendent Tim Throne. “I cannot thank our staff enough for standing Oxford Strong, leading by example, and continuing the learning journey for students in our DK-8 and Bridges buildings.”
The students returned to their buildings, which were decorated in a “Winter Wonderland” theme. More than 80% of elementary and middle school students were in attendance. Students returned to hallways decorated with tree lights, paper snowflakes, and more donated by the generous members of the Oxford community and beyond.
Returning staff each received a letter of support from people from all over the globe, including 30 states and three countries.
Students in Kylee Ribant’s second-grade classroom at Daniel Axford Elementary were asked what makes them Oxford Strong. The top responses: Asking for help when we need it, being there for others, and being kind.
“We forgot about the rest of the world for a day and we focused on hugs, love, and comfort,” Ribant said. “Just being together for a few short hours today made a world of difference as we continue to heal as educators, students, families, and staff as one Wildcat Nation.”
Students spent time with therapy dogs in all DK-8 and Bridges buildings, worked on holiday art projects, and reconnected with one another following the tragic events of last week. The therapy dogs will be in the buildings indefinitely as the entire Oxford community begins the healing process.
“My kids loved school today,” said Jesse Holt, parent of an elementary student and middle school student in the district. “They are talking nonstop about it. To you and your staff: thank you so much.”
“I’m just so proud of how the board and I were able to participate in each of the schools today,” said Tom Donnelly, School Board president. “It was emotional to see families hugging, rushing into the school and excited children with joy in their faces after all we’ve been through. One example was a kid turning toward his mom, giving her a hug, turning around, and literally leaping out of his shoes to get back into his school.”
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