Ford Administration
1620 E. Elza, Hazel Park, MI 48030 • Phone 248-658-5200 | Fax 248-544-5443
November 15, 2016
Dear Hazel Park Families and Friends,
With the Thanksgiving week quickly upon us, I would like to take a moment and reflect on the fantastic start to
the Hazel Park school year and the wonderful opportunities that are before us. We are fortunate to have
wonderful staff, students and families that make these moments possible in Hazel Park.
On election day our millage passed that renews our sinking fund for the next 10 years at a rate of 2 mills. We
are extremely grateful that as a community this has been approved. Thank you for your vote. As discussed
during the presentations around the community, this will not raise your taxes as the debt levy will be reduced
by 1 mill. These funds will be used to make repairs across the district to the buildings and the grounds. A list of
priorities will be developed and shared at an upcoming board meeting. Thank you again as you continue to
support safe and secure schools for your children.
The marching band ended their 2016-2017 season last week with their final performance at Hazel Park High
School. They had an outstanding year just missing the state finals by .163 points. Their performance this year
was called “Retrofuturism”. If your student is playing in the middle school band, we hope you encourage them
to consider band in high school. We are proud and excited for the future of our Viking Marching Band. Here is
the link to their performance.​ ​video
This year in October we celebrated Unity Day. Unity Day was October 19th where we all united against
bullying. Throughout the month of October the buildings talked about bullying, acts of kindness, acceptance
and inclusion. The final event was held at the Hazel Park High School Football stadium where the Hazel Park
Youth Assistance Committee put on a fantastic event with the Unity Day chain developed by students, staff
and families of Hazel Park . Our Unity Chain went almost all around the football field. We hope this important
event will be a yearly tradition with the help and support of our Youth Assistance Committee.
Every month students are nominated by their teachers and attend the school board meetings in order to be
honored as Hazel Park Students of the Month. Students of the month for October showed characteristics of
unity, November students were creative. Each month teachers are given topics and then students will be
interviewed at the board meeting and given a certificate. The Board of Education loves to hear about stories
your student have about their experiences in our schools and community. The December students of the
month will be about generosity. Generosity is the ability to look forward to be kind and caring and to give of
oneself without the expectation of something in return. You can help your students by helping them understand
what this might look like by talking about generosity in your homes.
On November 10th the High School held their annual Challenge Day. C
​ hallenge Day​ is a ​day​-long interactive
workshop where teens, teachers, and community members experience for themselves that compassion and
connection are indeed possible in our schools. Over 200 staff, students and parents filled the gym to
experience a wonderful day together to build connections. We hope to continue this ten plus year tradition. For
more information about Challenge Day, visit their website at ​Challenge Day​.
This Thursday on November 17th we have Elementary and Junior High conferences. It is always best to check
in on your student's progress. Please make sure if you have questions regarding your student’s academic
performance that you reach out to their teacher. Your students are more successful when you are involved in
their education.
​
This year Hazel Park will again be providing ​Holiday Baskets​ to families that live in the Hazel Park School
District and qualify. Applications will be accepted November 7th through December 5, 2016. Families who
attend Hazel Park Schools but live outside of the Hazel Park community may find inside the application other
resources for the Holiday Season inside their own community. You may find out more information by stopping
in for an application at the Board office or calling 248-658-5210.
Hazel Park High School will be presenting their fall play November 17th, 18th and 19th at 7:00 p.m. The
students will be presenting ​An Evening of One Act Plays. Come join our students as they put on an
outstanding performance for our community.
As the Holiday season is here remember that our schools are closed November 24th and 25th for
Thanksgiving break. Students will also be out of school December 24-January 9 for the winter holiday break.
​ The District office will be closed December 26 until December 30. We will reopen on January 2, 2017.
Last week we witnessed several acts of unkindness in our state and across the country that occurred within the
schools with student toward other students. We certainly believe in Hazel Park that our job is to be role models
for our students. This includes teaching acceptance, understanding, kindness, forgiveness and realizing that
our differences is what makes us strong. Our differences are what makes us individuals. I hope you will
support the schools in teaching your children to make the Hazel Park Schools a positive, safe and productive
learning environment.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your students learning in Hazel Park.