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SPS District Newsletter

March in Review

SPS DistrictNewsletterMarch in Review

March is Reading Month March is Reading Month

As March has come to a close, we want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make March is Reading Month a tremendous success! Throughout the month, our students immersed themselves in the joy of reading, participating in a variety of engaging activities and events.


Exploring New Worlds: Our dedicated educators went above and beyond to inspire a love of reading in our students. From creative classroom activities to book-themed assemblies and exciting reading challenges, they sparked imaginations and encouraged a lifelong passion for learning.


Special Guest Readers: A highlight of the month was welcoming guest readers, including community leaders, and teachers! Their stories and words of wisdom captivated our students and made reading even more exciting.


We are incredibly grateful to our students, educators, families, and community members for their enthusiasm and support throughout March is Reading Month. Let’s continue to make reading a priority, fostering curiosity and a love for learning in every child.


Enjoy some highlights from the month below!

Celebrity Guest Readers Celebrity Guest Readers

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Rashida Tlaib, Congresswoman

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Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

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Ms. Sterling, Technology Integration Specialist

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Charles Hicks, City Council Member

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Dr. Jennifer Green, Superintendent

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Ashanti Bland, SPS Board of Education President

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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Kelly Garrett, Lathrup Village Mayor

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Sommer Caldwell-Carruthers, Director of Curriculum & Instruction

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Jillian Holloway, SPS Board of Education Trustee

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Yvette Ware-DeVaull, SPS Board of Education Vice President

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Elvin Barren, Southfield Police Chief

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Ken Siver, Southfield Mayor

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Aaron Huguley, Deputy Chief of Police

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Nicole Denson, SPS Board of Education Trustee

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Azizi Tuere, Author

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Correta Houge, Government Councilwoman

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Dede Rogers, Southeastern Michigan Education Team Member

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Keenan Oliphant, Vice President News & Station Manager CBS Detroit

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Talisha Belk, SPS Board of Education Treasurer

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Erika Arnold, Teacher

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General Motors

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

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Drifters Sorority, Incorporated

State of the District 2025: A Celebration of Growth & Innovation State of the District 2025: A Celebration of Growth & Innovation

On March 12, we welcomed upwards of 400 attendees to the Southfield Arts & Technology Fieldhouse for an evening celebrating our progress, achievements, and vision for the future. The event opened with incredible performances from the Levey Middle School Band, the University High School Dance Team, and the Southfield A&T Marching Warriors, setting the stage for an inspiring night.


Superintendent Jennifer Martin-Green highlighted key milestones that showcase our commitment to excellence:

  • Cognia Accreditation, recognizing the district’s high standards in education.

  • Expansion of Community Schools, providing more academic, social, and emotional support for students and families.

  • New VW eLabs, offering cutting-edge STEM and digital media experiences.

  • Infrastructure Bond Upgrades, modernizing our schools and learning environments.

  • Financial Transparency, reflected in an unmodified audit.

  • Discovery Summer School Award, securing $1.28M to fund enriching summer programs.


Superintendent Martin-Green also emphasized the power of strong community partnerships and ongoing efforts to enhance student success. Looking ahead, we remain focused on innovation, expanding student support services, and building pathways for future-ready learning.


We are excited to announce our Spring Enrollment Fair on May 8, where families can learn more about our schools and programs. More details will be shared soon.


Thank you to our dedicated staff, students, families, and community partners for making Southfield Public Schools a place of excellence and opportunity. Our future is bright!


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Interstate 696 Closed Interstate 696 Closed

Please be aware of important closures affecting I-696 in the Southfield area:


Eastbound I-696 Closures

  • Eastbound I-696 (Southfield to Greenfield) will be CLOSED from Monday, March 3, through Fall 2026.

  • Detour Route: Southbound M-10 → Eastbound M-8 (Davison) → Northbound I-75.


Ramp Closures

  • Southfield Road to Eastbound I-696 and Eastbound I-696 to Southfield Road will be CLOSED starting Monday, March 3, through Fall 2026.


Mainline I-696 Closures

  • Westbound I-696 exit ramp to Southfield: ONE LANE OPEN through Friday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.


For more details, visit MDOT’s official update.


We encourage all families to plan alternative routes to avoid delays. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these construction projects.


Enroll Now at Southfield Public Schools for the 2025-2026 School Year Enroll Now at Southfield Public Schools for the 2025-2026 School Year

Southfield Public Schools is now accepting enrollments for the 2025-2026 school year. With rigorous academics, innovative programs, and a strong sense of community, SPS provides an inclusive, high-quality education for students from preschool through high school.


Students benefit from Advanced Placement courses, STEAM education, the International Baccalaureate program, on-site dual enrollment, and 19 career pathway academies. Modern classrooms, a one-to-one device ratio, and diverse extracurricular activities—including sports, music, leadership clubs, and peer learning—enhance the student experience. SPS also prioritizes social and emotional well-being, creating a safe and supportive learning environment.


The Bussey Center for Early Childhood Education offers a strong foundation for lifelong learning through play-based preschool programs that foster curiosity and creativity. Bussey provides free full-day preschool for four-year-olds through Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program, emphasizing kindergarten readiness with literacy, math, and problem-solving. Open to all preschool-aged children regardless of residency, Bussey ensures every child has access to a quality early learning experience.


Families looking for a school district that offers academic excellence, diverse opportunities, and a supportive learning environment are encouraged to join Southfield Public Schools. College begins at Bussey, and a bright future starts with SPS. To begin enrollment, visit southfieldk12.org/enroll-now.

Bussey Daddy-Daughter Dance Bussey Daddy-Daughter Dance

The Bussey Center for Early Childhood Education hosted a magical Daddy-Daughter Dance on March 5th, bringing smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Fathers and daughters shared a special evening filled with music, dancing, and fun. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this beautiful event!

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Levey S.T.E.A.M Middle School Program Application Now Open Levey S.T.E.A.M Middle School Program Application Now Open

The application window for Levey S.T.E.A.M. Middle School is now open!


Opens: March 3rd, 2025

Closes: April 14, 2025


This application is for Southfield and Lathrup Village Residents ONLY!


The mission of Glenn Levey Middle School is for all students to successfully learn to the best of their ability in an environment conducive to social, intellectual, and personal development.


Offering "The BEST of Both Worlds," including courses in S.T.E.A.M. = Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics AND Visual and Performing Arts.


To view the application, please click HERE.


Levey Middle School S.T.E.A.M. Program
248-746-8740

African American Read-In at Stevenson Elementary African American Read-In at Stevenson Elementary

Southfield Public Schools, in partnership with Oakland Schools, recently hosted a memorable African American Read-In at Stevenson Elementary. Families from across the community gathered for an evening dedicated to celebrating literacy, diversity, and the power of storytelling.


A highlight of the event was a virtual appearance by award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, who captivated attendees with her insights on storytelling and representation in literature. Students participated in engaging activities, and families had the chance to connect through shared reading experiences. Exciting prizes added to the night’s energy, and the first 500 registered Oakland County families received a free copy of one of Woodson’s books, ensuring that the joy of reading continued beyond the event.


Southfield Public Schools remains committed to fostering a love of reading and providing students with meaningful literary experiences. Thank you to all who attended and helped make the evening a success!


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Howard University Students Inspire Stevenson Elementary for Spring Break Howard University Students Inspire Stevenson Elementary for Spring Break

Stevenson Elementary School recently welcomed a group of dedicated Howard University students as part of the university’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program. Each year, Howard students travel to different locations to engage in meaningful community service, and this year, their ASB site in the Detroit area was Stevenson Elementary in Southfield, MI.


Throughout the week, the Howard University students led engaging learning activities designed to support student growth and development. Their presence brought excitement and inspiration to the Stevenson community, reinforcing the power of community partnerships in education. The impact of their visit was deeply felt by both students and staff, making their departure an emotional experience. However, the connection doesn’t end here—Stevenson is eagerly looking forward to an upcoming virtual visit to continue the collaboration.


Stevenson Elementary extends its sincere gratitude to Mrs. Gaddis and Mrs. Ponzo-Vance for organizing this enriching experience. The school also shared highlights from the visit on its Instagram page, capturing moments of joy and learning with hashtags like #CommunitySchool, #BisonStrong, #DesigningFutures, and #PajamaDay.


The visit from Howard University’s ASB students exemplifies the importance of service, education, and mentorship in shaping the future. Stevenson Elementary is proud to have been part of this experience and looks forward to continuing the partnership.

Howard University At Stevenson Elementary School

Winter Sports Wrap-Up & Exciting Spring Season Ahead! Winter Sports Wrap-Up & Exciting Spring Season Ahead!

As winter sports come to a close, we want to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our Southfield Public Schools student-athletes. From the wrestling mats to the basketball courts, the swimming pool to the bowling lanes, our teams gave it their all!


Winter Sports Highlights

  • Boys Wrestling: Making a strong return this year, our wrestlers placed in every event they competed in! Special congratulations to Kenneth Brooks, who advanced to Regionals with an outstanding 25-3 record. We are so proud of this team and excited for next season!

  • Boys Basketball: Though the season didn’t go as hoped, our Warriors played with heart and determination. With five seniors graduating, we thank them for their contributions and look forward to a strong comeback next year.

  • Girls Basketball: The team had their best season in five years, securing the #1 seed for Districts and finishing with an impressive 15-6 record! Though their season ended with a close four-point loss in Districts, they made us proud. We send our best wishes to the three graduating seniors as they head off to college!

  • Competitive Cheer: Our cheerleaders ended the season on a high note, earning their highest score at Districts. Beyond competing, they played a key role in mentoring our middle school cheer teams, helping to grow the program for the future!

  • Bowling: Jaysa Taylor dominated the lanes, winning the OAA Conference Championship with a high game of 278 and sweeping first place in every category! She also won Regionals and advanced to the State Singles Tournament, finishing 27th out of 57. Congratulations, Jaysa!

  • Swim Team: Our senior swimmers finished strong, with Tanner qualifying for the MHSAA State Swimming Championship Meet and the USA Swimming-Michigan (Ultra) State Championship. We are excited to continue growing the program next season!


With winter sports wrapped up, it's time to gear up for spring athletics! Tryouts for Softball, Baseball, Girls Soccer, Boys Golf, Girls Tennis, and Track & Field began Monday, March 10, 2025. If you're looking for a new challenge or want to be part of something great, now is the time to join our Warrior Family!


Stay connected for off-season opportunities, and let's make this spring season one to remember!

Bussey Center Kindergarten Signing Day Bussey Center Kindergarten Signing Day

On March 18th, we hosted a successful Kindergarten Signing Day event that provided an informative and welcoming experience for incoming kindergarten families. The session offered valuable insights into what parents and students can expect as they begin their educational journey with Southfield Public Schools.


Families had the opportunity to learn more about our exceptional kindergarten and elementary programs, with highlights from both Bussey and district staff. We also showcased our K-8 and K-12 offerings, emphasizing the commitment we have to providing a strong foundation for every student.


Thank you to everyone who helped make this event memorable, from the engaging presentations to the thoughtful details that made the day special for our families. We look forward to continuing to support our incoming kindergarteners as they begin their academic path with us!

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Partner of the Month Nomination (March) Partner of the Month Nomination (March)

We are proud to recognize Yolanda Shavers as our March 2025 Partner of the Month! As a Paraprofessional Substitute at Adler Elementary, Mrs. Shavers has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the students in the ASD classroom. Her professionalism, compassion, and commitment shine through in everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond, taking initiative and providing invaluable support without hesitation.


To nominate a SPS employee or partner for recognition please click HERE.

School Bus Safety School Bus Safety

April Coaching April Coaching

We are reminding you about our district’s valuable partnership with ParentGuidance.org. This incredible, no-cost resource is here to support parents as they navigate their parenting journey, and it’s available to all families in our community.


Click here to sign up for ongoing support: https://cookcenter.info/coaching

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

April 8th - Board of Education Meeting

May 8th - 2025 Spring Enrollment Fair

Follow Us on Social Media Follow Us on Social Media

Instagram - @southfieldpublicschools

Facebook - Southfield Public Schools

Twitter - @southfieldk12

Youtube - @southfieldpublicschools

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