Sunday, November 30th, 2025, is Wildcat Remembrance Day. On Sunday at 7 p.m., our community will light luminaries as part of the day’s observance to Light Up Oxford with Love. Luminaries (a white paper bag and a small battery-powered candle) are available again this year for any student or staff member who wishes to pick one up from our front office and/or the front lobby.
Our students have differing levels of knowledge about November 30th, 2021. We did not conduct whole-class discussions about the luminaries, allowing families to guide any conversations at home in a way that works best for them.
As always, please reach out to me, your child’s teacher, or our family-school liaison if you or your child needs support.
Good afternoon OES Families,
This is just a reminder that the Book Fair will be open during the following times in the Media Center this week for parents to shop:
Monday, November 17th from 4:45pm to 8pm
Thursday, November 20th from 4:45pm to 8pm
Friday, November 21st from 12:45pm to 4pm
Please remember students are not to come down during conferences unless accompanied by an adult! I do provide black bags for secretive shopping if students do attend with you this week!
Parents, family members, neighbors, etc. can all shop at our online fair as well! Click on and share the link below! All books will be shipped to the school the week after Thanksgiving. Once they arrive, I will get ahold of you to schedule a pickup time (if they are for a Christmas gift).
Some of our teachers also filled out book Wishlist's for their classroom that can be found on the link below. I will have a trifold board setup in the Media Center with the same info if you would like to purchase something in person!
Happy Conference Week and I look forward to hopefully seeing you all this week!
Mrs. Shafer
Hi OES Families,
It’s that time of year again where we work hard to provide support for families that may need it during the holidays.
There is a giving tree in the OES lobby where our student council has created ornaments with a QR code on them that will take you directly to a sign up genius to select items to donate to help our local families so if you’re in for conferences this week, please check it out!
The link to the sign up is also below. If you are donating an item, please do not wrap the gifts. Send the donated item(s) into the school and to the giving tree outside the OES office in a bag and labeled with the family #. All items are needed by Friday, December 12th.
If you would like to donate anonymously, please just write "Anonymous" as the alternate name you would like displayed next to the slot you are taking.
We appreciate all of the love and support you give as we help our OES children realize once again the joy of helping others.
If you have any questions, please reach out.
Thank you!
Oxford Elementary School
It’s MY most favorite time of the year... BOOK FAIR TIME!!
Students will be able to shop starting Monday, November 17th thru Friday, November 21st during the designated days listed below:
Monday, November 17th – Alef, Johnston, Harvey, Ulin
Tuesday, November 18th - 4th grade in PM
Wednesday, November 19th – Bartlo in AM and 5th grade in PM
Thursday, November 20th – open shop all day for students
Friday, November 21st – LAST CALL open shop 9:30am to 11:30am for students (half day)
BONUS!! Parents will be able to shop during conferences!! The book fair will be open to parents at the following times:
Monday, November 17th from 4:45pm to 8pm
Thursday, November 20th from 4:45pm to 8pm
Friday, November 21st from 12:45pm to 4pm
We do have black shopping bags in case you are purchasing Christmas presents!!
Holding your conference on a different date?! Relatives looking for a little something extra to give your student this holiday season?! We can help!! Click on the link below to shop from the comfort of your couch!!
Kids can never have too many books, so feel free to share the link with relatives, neighbors and friends!! A percentage of the fair goes right back into purchasing the books YOUR STUDENTS ask me to buy for our Media Center. This is the ONLY fundraiser the school holds each year for the Media Center so your continued support is extremely appreciated!!
Online gift cards can also be purchased to make shopping easier for your student, so you don't have to stress about money being lost!! Click on the link below to create a gift card for your student or add more money onto a previous gift card!!
And as much as I absolutely LOVE all of your children, the book fair is NOT a drop-off site while you are in conferences. Children can only visit the book fair during conferences IF accompanied by an adult! I apologize for any inconvenience.
Please reach out if you have any questions!! HAPPY READING!!
Mrs. Shafer
shannon.shafer@oxfordschools.org
(248) 969-5330
Please read this updated November newsletter for updates and/or reminders regarding our FISH Food Drive, conferences, book fair, winter weather apparel, and more!
Dear OES Families,
We hope you had a great weekend! We have two important reminders for you this week concerning the cold weather and our community service initiative.
This is the Last Week to Donate to Our Food Drive!
This is the last week to donate to our FISH food drive! Our school's Oxford Orion Fish Food Thanksgiving Food Drive is closing this Thursday, November 13th, and this is your final chance to help us support the local FISH food pantry and make a difference for families in our community this holiday season.
A huge thank you to everyone who has already contributed! Remember, the grade level competition is still on. The grade that brings in the most items will win an exciting ice cream sandwich or popsicle party, sponsored by the Student Council.
Current Grade Level Standings (as of Friday afternoon):
Here is a look at the current standings in our competition. Every item counts as we race toward the deadline:
3rd Grade: 106 items collected
4th Grade: 90 items collected
5th Grade: 81 items collected
It's a tight race with 3rd graders taking the lead! Let's see which grade can pull ahead before Thursday!
Thank you for your continued generosity and support.
A Note on Winter Clothing and Snow
The snow has arrived, and temperatures are dropping quickly! As a reminder, we aim to have students go outside for recess to get fresh air and exercise, as long as the temperature “feels like” is above 10 degrees.
Please ensure your child comes to school prepared with the following (LABELED) winter items every day:
Warm Coat
Boots
Hat
Gloves or Mittens
Snow Pants
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students warm and safe, and for your generosity toward the food drive.
Sincerely,
Marie Murphy
Principal
Oxford Elementary
Tomorrow is Election Day! Make your voice heard and vote on the two Oxford Community Schools millages. Please encourage your Oxford friends and family to vote too.
If you have questions about what’s on the ballot, Check Out This Short Video.
More information including an FAQ section is available at http://oxfordschools.org/millage.
These elections are typically very close which means it's critical that all of our families and staff take the time to vote. Every vote counts!
Dear Oxford Community Schools Families,
We understand that some families may have concerns about food insecurity. For additional support if needed, we have compiled a list of local food assistance resources. You can access the full list on our website here: Food Assistance Resources.
We also want to remind families that every student is encouraged to eat a free breakfast and lunch at school each day to ensure they have access to nutritious meals.
If your family is in need and unable to access food, please reach out to a Family School Liaison (FSL) or any school staff member. We are here to help connect you with the right resources.
Sincerely,
Oxford Community Schools
#WorldclassWildcats #OCSWildcats
Enjoy trick-or-treating tonight! 💙💛
#WorldclassWildcats #OCSWildcats
Dear OES Families,
What a wonderful month we have had at OES in October, and we still have so much fun left this week! Please be sure to check our November OES Press by clicking here for important information and updates! A lot is happening this week, between Halloween Math Night tonight, Trunk or Treat on Thursday, Halloween this Friday🎃, and an incredible Parent Education Fair this Saturday!
I am so proud of our students this month. They have shown themselves to be caring, principled, and thoughtful thinkers in all they do. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
I look forward to another fantastic month ahead with our OES community!
Kind regards,
Mrs. Murphy
Oxford Elementary Principal
October is a month filled with opportunities for service, learning, and fun at OES! We invite you to join us for some exciting events and acts of service at OES! See flyers below and your email for more details about Halloween Math Night and our support for the Oxford Wildcat Pack!
Dear Oxford Families,
I want to take a moment to share something important with you. We’ve put together a very short video (just 2½ minutes) that explains what will be on the ballot this November. I implore you to watch it. It has even helped me, as the district superintendent, to better understand the proposals, and I hope it will help you feel informed as well.
Absentee voting has already started, and Election Day is just around the corner on November 4. If you find the video helpful, please consider forwarding it to friends and family who live in Oxford, or sharing it on social media if you’re comfortable doing so.
For additional information including Frequently Asked Questions, please visit https://oxfordschools.org/millage. Thank you for taking a few minutes to be informed; it truly makes a difference!
Click Here to Watch the Video
With gratitude,
Dr. Tonya Milligan, Superintendent
Oxford Community Schools
The State of Michigan has adopted a new state budget that includes continued funding for free breakfast and lunch for all students this school year.
We still encourage all families to complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application each year. The information provided through these applications helps determine eligibility for various supports and funding that benefit both families and schools.
Benefits of Completing the Application include:
Free or Reduced-Price Meals: Direct financial assistance to families if the universal free meal program is not renewed in the future.
Discounts on Educational Activities: Possible cost reductions for AP exams, field trips, and after-school programs.
Other Student and Household Support: Access to programs that provide food assistance, school supplies, and holiday support.
Increased Funding for Schools: Additional funding through programs such as Title I, which supports all students.
Eligibility for Other Programs: The application can help determine eligibility for other state and federally funded programs.
Families can complete the application online or request a paper copy from their school office.
Please see the flyer for an exciting Literacy event! This is a district-wide event that will be held next Thursday, October 9th, at our OEIC campus off Drahner Rd. Please use this LINK to register or scan the QR Code on the flyer.
Also, it is not too late to participate in the Fund Run! We are so close to the kids earning bubbles at drop off, which is ALWAYS a favorite! Please see the attached flyer that went home with your student a few weeks ago.
Just a reminder, if you still need to create your student’s personalized page for the Fund Run, use the link here: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/2025fundrun/addme
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
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
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
James Berezney
Oxford Community Schools
Dear Oxford Elementary Families,
We’ve had a wonderful start to the school year, and I’m excited to share some important information with you. On November 4, two Oxford Community Schools proposals will appear on the ballot. These proposals help support our students, classrooms, and school facilities.
Non-Homestead Operating Millage – Helps fund day-to-day operations, including classrooms, programs, and instruction. This millage applies only to non-homestead properties (commercial, rental, and second homes) and does not increase taxes for primary homeowners.
Sinking Fund Millage – Provides funding for building maintenance, safety upgrades, and facility improvements that benefit students and the community. View this flyer outlining tentative projects planned for the first year of the Sinking Fund at our school.
I’d like to encourage all families to review the attached flyer and learn more about these proposals. Additional information is available on the district website at https://www.oxfordschools.org/millage.
Thank you for staying informed and for all you do to support our students and school community!
Sincerely,
Marie Murphy, Principal
Oxford Elementary
