Oxford Community Schools

Dear OHS Students and Parents,

It is critical we continue to support one another, reach out and ask for help as we begin the healing process following the tragic events of last week. That’s why we wanted to provide you with an update to some additional supports, activities and gatherings planned as our community continues to process and grieve. 

We will have professionally trained crisis counselors and trauma therapists available to anyone in our community tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 9, at Oxford Virtual Academy from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. These outside trained professionals have expertise in supporting people who have been through tragedies like this one.

We have added an OHS student gathering at Oxford Elementary School on Friday, Dec. 10, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for high school students who would like some structured activities and to just spend time together. We will have police and staff on site, extra security measures, and professionally trained counselors and therapists will be available as well.

We also now have a virtual counseling option available through EMPOWERU, a social-emotional and mental health online partner of the Oxford Community Schools. Their licensed coaches are making 20-minute virtual appointments available to staff and students in grades 6-12 over the next few days.  

To sign up for an EMPOWERU zoom appointment focused on support and practice of calming tools, sign up here: https://forms.gle/EBGbsnD3N7D8SF4F9.

Additionally, a 24/7 Resource and Crisis Helpline/Text/Chat remains available for anyone who would like to speak with professionally trained Helpline volunteers from Common Ground at 1-800-231-1127.

We would also like to announce an opportunity next week for our high school students to gather and support one another during this difficult time.

On Monday, Dec. 13, Top Golf will host 400 high school students at their facility in Auburn Hills for free food and play. We are grateful for their support and willingness to allow our OHS students to gather at their facility and enjoy each other’s company. This event will be for OHS students only, but we will have some staff on site, as well as police and professionally trained counselors and therapists. We are still working on the event details, so you can expect a follow up communication with details, including the sign-up/check-in process.

We also wanted to let you know we’re planning to have students pick up their backpacks and other school items on Monday, Dec. 13; Tuesday, Dec. 14 and Wednesday, Dec. 15. Pick up will occur in the Oxford High School north parking lot main entrance area and items will be organized based on the student’s fifth-period class.  We will have several OHS staff present to help assist in passing out student items. For expediency, students and parents are asked to please stay in your vehicles, staff will be bringing items to you. We will also have police present, as well as professionally trained crisis response counselors and therapists.  You will be receiving a follow up communication later this week with details and additional information.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, thoughts, feedback and concerns. Staying together during this difficult crisis will help us remain Oxford StrOng.

Sincerely, 
Mr. Wolf and the Oxford High School staff