Oxford Community Schools

Sinking Fund Millage: What to Know
• A dedicated local property tax used only for specific capital improvements
• Supports building repairs, safety and security upgrades, new roofs, student transportation, and technology
• A calculator to estimate the impact based on your home’s value can be found at oxfordschools.org/millage

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

In accordance with Michigan’s Safe Storage Laws (MCL 28.429, MCL 380.1313a, and MCL 380.1313b), schools are required to share information on the safe storage of firearms. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has provided resources for distribution through the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

The following resources are available for your review:

What is the Secure Storage Law in Michigan

Safe Storage Notice

Additional information and resources can be found on MDE’s Safe Storage Law webpage.  

Questions may be directed to MDE’s Office of Health and Safety at MDE-OHS@Michigan.gov.

Sincerely,

Oxford Community Schools

Dear Oxford Schools Community, 

We are proud to announce the second annual Parent Education Fair!  As a part of Parent University, the Parent Education Fair is a conference-style event for parents and caregivers of the Oxford Schools community. Our goal is to inform and empower parents/caregivers so that you feel knowledgeable and equipped to support your child(ren). We want to provide parents and caregivers access to as many resources as possible. The event is open to parents and caregivers of children infant to age 26. 

Saturday, November 1, 2025

8:15 am to 12:30 pm

Oxford Elementary School

*keynote speaker starts at 9:00 am

REGISTER HERE

The event will include keynote speaker, Judy Malinowski. Her keynote is called “The Challenges of an Anxious Generation.” The spread of smartphones, social media, and overprotective parenting have led to a “rewiring” of childhood and a rise in mental illness. Today’s adolescents are struggling with these changes, but there are things we can do to support them. In her keynote, gain tools and strategies for coping with this changing and demanding world.

In addition to the keynote, there will be breakout sessions opportunities and community resource tables so parents/caregivers can connect with local community resources. Breakout sessions include the following topics and were selected based on feedback from our community about what would be helpful. 

• Stress management in your household

• How to have important conversations at home with your children

• The impact of positive childhood experiences 

• Happy, healthy kids: how nutrition and lifestyle support overall wellbeing

• Coping skills for PreK-5 children

• Everyday accommodations for neurodivergent people of all ages

• Online cyber safety: What should parents/caregivers know and look out for? 

To reduce barriers and aim to include as many community members as possible, we are offering a completely FREE event for participants including free childcare for infants through age12 at OELC thanks to our generous partners! 

All you have to do to attend this FREE event is register! All registrants will be emailed a “raffle ticket” to bring with them to enter a raffle for fun prizes. Participants need to be present to win! 

We look forward to an empowering community event! 

See you there! 

-Oxford Community Schools

Dear Families & Staff,

We are aware of the developing situation in Grand Blanc this morning and are holding their community in our hearts as they navigate this extremely difficult time.

It’s understandable that events like this can leave us feeling unsettled, particularly when they happen nearby. Please know that our district support teams will be available tomorrow to provide care and assistance to any student or staff member who may need it.

If you or your family need to access resources or immediate support today, including services available through our community partners, please visit https://www.oxfordschools.org/support.

We encourage anyone who needs support to reach out for help.

With care,
Oxford Community Schools

Non-Homestead Operating Millage: What to know

• No tax increase for homeowners on primary residence

• Applies to non-homestead properties, including commercial, industrial, and second homes

• Restores operating millage back to 18 mills as previously approved by voters.

  Learn more at https://www.oxfordschools.org/millage

Hello Elementary Families,

A quick reminder: our Suzuki Strings partnership begins Monday, September 29. Open to Oxford students in grades 1–5 interested in learning violin. Classes meet two days per week from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. at Lakeville Elementary. Transportation from Lakeville to each elementary school is provided before the school day.

Register or learn more: 25–26 Suzuki Strings Registration Form

Questions?

Lisa Clarke

Suzuki Violin Instructor

(810) 417-0556

lisa.clarke@oxfordschools.org

James Berezney

Oxford Community Schools

james.berezney@oxfordschools.org

Dear Oxford Families,

I want to take a moment to share an important update on school funding in Michigan and what it means for Oxford Community Schools.

As you may know, the State of Michigan is required by law to adopt a school aid budget by July 1 so that districts like ours can plan responsibly for the upcoming school year. Unfortunately, that deadline has passed, and lawmakers have not yet finalized a budget. This delay has placed schools across the state, including Oxford, in a challenging position.

While the situation requires careful monitoring, we are confident that Oxford can remain open and continue serving students as we work through this period of uncertainty. We are proactively looking at ways to temporarily bridge funding gaps so that essential programs including teaching, transportation, and student meals, continue without interruption.

Without a state budget, we plan to return to a fee-based program for breakfast and lunch beginning November 1st. We strongly encourage families to complete the Application for Free and Reduced Meals as soon as possible. This application is especially important because it is uncertain whether the state will include free breakfasts and lunches in the new budget even once it is approved.

How you can help: One of the most effective ways to support our schools is by reaching out to your legislators and urging them to finalize the school aid budget. You can find your legislators here: https://www.michiganvotes.org/legislators. A short email or phone call encouraging them to prioritize and pass the school budget is a powerful way to make a difference.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together for Oxford’s future.

With Gratitude,
Dr. Tonya Milligan, Superintendent
Oxford Community Schools

Hello, Oxford Community!

On November 4, our schools will have two important proposals on the ballot: a replacement Non-Homestead Operating Millage and a Sinking Fund Millage. Leading up to the election, we’ll share information to help you learn more.

Find more resources and FAQs on our millage webpage: https://www.oxfordschools.org/millage, and keep an eye out for upcoming posts!

#OCSWildcats #WorldclassWildcats

This evening’s board of education meeting will be live-streamed courtesy of OCTV and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@OCTVMichigan. For those attending the meeting in person, the meeting location is at Oxford Elementary School. This regular board meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Tomorrow is the first early release for elementary. Bus times are in PowerSchool. Questions? Call OCS Transportation (248) 969-1888.

Dear Oxford Schools Families and Staff,

We know that the past weeks have been filled with some difficult news and events, nationally and close to home. Our students take in so much, especially through social media, and many adults feel the weight of these challenges as well. It is natural to feel unsettled or stressed.

Please remember that you are not alone. There are caring professionals in each of our buildings who are here to provide support. Additional resources are also available through our district and in partnership with community organizations. For more information on available resources for support, visit www.oxfordschools.org/support.

We respect that each family’s journey is unique, and we are committed to making sure resources remain available for anyone who wishes to access them.

Sincerely,

Oxford Community Schools

Hello Elementary Families!

Oxford Community Schools is pleased to partner with Suzuki Strings again this year.  This opportunity is open to any Oxford Schools' student in Grade 1 through 5 who would like to learn to play the violin.  Classes are offered two days per week from 8:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. at Lakeville Elementary.  Transportation is provided from Lakeville to each elementary school before the start of the school day.  Check out this brief Suzuki Strings Promo Video created by OHS Orchestra student, Blake Myers.  The first day of class is Monday, September 29.

For additional information or to register, please click on the 25-26 Suzuki Strings Registration Form.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Lisa Clarke
Suzuki Violin Instructor
Oxford Community Schools
(810) 417-0556
lisa.clarke@oxfordschools.org

James Berezney
Oxford Community Schools
james.berezney@oxfordschools.org

Suzuki Violin registration is now open! Rates remain the same as last year, and classes start September 29. Register today using the link below. Payments can be made through e~Funds for Schools.

Suzuki Violin Registration
e~Funds for Schools

Friday was Staff Appreciation Night at the football game, and we honored the incredible people who make Oxford Schools a special place. From on-field recognition to cheers in the stands, our staff felt the love. Every day, they come together as One Team, One Dream, One Oxford. We’re so grateful for all they do and proud we got to celebrate them!

#OCSWildcats #WorldclassWildcats