January 2026 Family Newsletter

Dear Oxford Elementary Families,

I hope each of you enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday break surrounded by friends and family. As we enter the new year of 2026, I am pleased to share that we have exciting events, recognition opportunities for our dedicated teachers and staff members, and a new mentorship program to launch as we begin this new year together.

Please take some time to read our January edition of the OES Press. In this issue, you will find important information about how to nominate individuals for our annual Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year awards. We will also share reminders about our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) expectations, which help us create a positive and supportive environment for all students. Additionally, I am thrilled to announce the start of our new 42 Strong Junior program, which will provide students with opportunities for mentorship and personal growth throughout the coming months.

Your involvement and support make a tremendous difference in our school community. I look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday, January 5th and working together to make 2026 a year filled with learning, growth, and success for every member of the Oxford Elementary community.

Sincerely,
Marie Murphy
Principal, Oxford Elementary

It is time to nominate our Teacher and Support Staff Member of the Year. Please consider nominating a classroom teacher, resource room teacher, or any other teaching staff who make a difference for our students. For support staff, you may nominate ancillary staff such as our school psychologist, social worker, others who support our students, paraprofessionals, custodians, building substitutes, and additional staff members who help our school community. Please see both Google Forms below to submit your nominations. Thank you for helping us recognize outstanding members of our team.

When we return in January, we will spend time re-teaching and reviewing our school expectations. It is always beneficial to have a reset and review after a long break. I am very proud of our OES Wildcats for showing up each day as principled, caring, and thoughtful thinkers.

We are excited to collaborate with 42 Strong and provide the 42 Strong Junior program at Oxford Elementary this school year.

42 Strong Junior is an engaging, school-based peer-to-peer mentoring program that pairs older students with younger students to learn, play, and grow together as “Buddies.” More than just fun activities, this program is designed to strengthen the bonds between students and create a more connected, inclusive school community. Through games, creative projects, and teamwork challenges, students not only practice important character traits but also build friendships that make school a place where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

Each month, buddies explore one or two of the 12 “Tate Traits,” such as caring, trustworthy, and hard-working. The Tate Traits will replace our current Learner Profile Traits. The Tate Traits will also serve as our monthly Student of the Month recognition. In January, our first trait will be humble. These experiences encourage students to form genuine connections, work together toward shared goals, and develop mutual respect—skills that help them grow as friends, leaders, and positive contributors to their school’s culture.

Participation in 42 Strong Junior offers lasting benefits. Younger buddies gain encouragement, confidence, and a trusted role model, while older buddies develop leadership skills, empathy, and a deeper sense of purpose. By building trust and connection across grade levels, the program helps students feel more rooted in their school community, fostering a culture where everyone belongs and thrives.

42 Strong Jr. mentors and mentees will then meet monthly to do a 42 Strong Junior lesson or activities together. Click HERE to watch the Introduction Video that will be shown to classes. Students will begin meeting in January, following our kick-off assembly on January 14th.

42 Strong Junior is accessible to all students at Oxford Elementary. If you do not wish your student to participate, you may opt out by completing the linked form below by Monday, January 12th, 2026.

If you have questions about the 42 Strong Junior program, please contact me, Marie Murphy. We look forward to collaborating with 42 Strong and helping our students foster connections with others within our school community.

marie.murphy@oxfordschools.org

Join us at our next PTO meeting! Learn about what is happening at DA and OES, share your ideas, and sign up to volunteer for upcoming events. Childcare will be provided. Your voice and support make a difference. We hope to see you there!

January 19th: No School MLK Day & Staff PD Day

January 29th: Early Release Day- Dismissal is at 12:15 pm

Our students are having a blast playing in the snow at recess, so please make sure they come properly dressed!

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

PBIS SCHOOL STORE! The students look forward to spending their hard-earned Paw Bucks at our school store! We need your help to make these exciting days happen!

Click here to help run our PBIS School Store

Please take some time to read our Student Handbook with your child. It contains important information about school policies, expectations, and resources to help ensure a successful year. Thank you for your support!

Marie Murphy
Principal
📧 Marie.Murphy@oxfordschools.org

Katy Horton
Administrative Assistant
📧 Katy.Horton@oxfordschools.org

Bri Overholt
Family School Liaison
📧 Brianna.Overholt@oxfordschools.org

Non-Discrimination Clause: The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, 775 W. Drahner Rd., Oxford, MI 48371, (248) 969-5004.