Upcoming Important Dates for May
TBD: PTSA/Parent University @ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
2nd - Italy Trip Informational Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
9th - Spring Open House @ 4:00 p.m.@ 7: 00 p.m. Southfield A&T
13th - 17th Spirit Week
21st & 22nd - Career Week
21st - Chick-Fil- A Fundraiser @ 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
22nd - Spring Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
24th and 27th - No School Memorial Day
29th - Pearls and Denim for Girls
30th - Ties and Sneaks for Boys
Our school is currently organizing a Career Week to provide our students with diverse insights into various professions, aiming to broaden their horizons and unlock their potential. We would love to have you join us and share your experiences and expertise with our students. View the schedule below and let us know if you are available and are willing to share your wealth of knowledge with our students. We have divided the days to focus on different types of careers. The days are as follows:
Tuesday, May 21st 9:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Careers requiring college degrees.
Wednesday, May 22nd 9:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Entrepreneurs, Trades, and Creative Careers
Our speakers will visit classrooms for about 20-25 minutes engaging in conversation about their current careers. Connections to real-world work can illustrate their relevancy and share why industries can be great options for future careers. Ideally, the students will discover some ins and outs of a variety of fields. We hope the speakers will be able to share answers to the following questions:
- What does a typical day look like?
- How can someone get started on this path?
- How does the career relate to or use current classroom content?
- Why do you feel the career may be a good option to consider for their future?
- What is the best/worst parts of the job?
- What steps should students take if they would like to work in your career path?
Please contact Ms. Hill, if you are able to support us this year in our Career Week. You can reach Ms. Hill at (248) 746-8764, juantonia.hill@southfieldk12.org, or by completing this google form: https://forms.gle/fyR5Tuc5Fq9xrtpJ7
SOUTHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUMMER LEARNING MANUAL
With just three months left of school, we're already gearing up for an exciting summer ahead! At Levey Middle School, we're dedicated to fostering continuous learning and growth for your scholar. As we prepare for the summer months, we're thrilled to invite you to explore an array of enriching and exciting learning opportunities for your child. From STEM camps to creative arts workshops, literary adventures, and leadership development programs, there's something for every interest and passion.
The district has also provided learning opportunities for scholars for the summer. Click on the link below to view the selections.
Let's make this summer a season of exploration, discovery, and unforgettable learning experiences for your scholar!
The link to the SPS Summer Learning Manual
Greeting from Southfield Youth Assistance!
We are excited to announce that the Southfield Youth Assistance is now accepting applications for scholarships! These opportunities are designed for parents who meet the criteria outlined in our flyer and are in need of assistance. These scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, please feel free to call 248.746.7658.
Warm regards,
Dr. Golden
SYA Chair
Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Memory and Learning
Engaging the fine motor system to produce letters by hand has positive effects on learning and memory. Handwriting notes in class might seem like an anachronism as smartphones and other digital technology subsume every aspect of learning across schools and universities. But a steady stream of research continues to suggest that taking notes the traditional way—with pen and paper or even stylus and tablet—is still the best way to learn, especially for young children. And now scientists are finally zeroing in on why.
A recent study in Frontiers in Psychology monitored brain activity in students taking notes and found that those writing by hand had higher levels of electrical activity across a wide range of interconnected brain regions responsible for movement, vision, sensory processing and memory. The findings add to a growing body of evidence that has many experts speaking up about the importance of teaching children to handwrite words and draw pictures.
SICK?
If a student or staff member is not feeling well and has any symptoms of illness, even mild ones, please stay home. Symptoms could include cough, sore/scratchy throat, fever, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of taste or smell. One symptom is enough to warrant staying home as a precaution. We know it can be frustrating to stay home with mild symptoms. Children get sniffles, a cough, or upset stomach from time to time, and this is usually not cause for alarm. However, because of flu season, COVID and RSV we have to take extra precautions. Therefore, all students and staff should stay home even if symptoms are mild. If a staff member or student begin to exhibit symptoms while they are at school, they will be isolated and sent home as soon as possible. This means an ill student would be asked to wait in a dedicated room where they are not near others until a parent/guardian arrives to take them home. Students who are ill or are symptomatic should be picked up within 30 minutes of parents/guardians being contacted.
Please be mindful of the cold temperatures and ensure everyone is dressed appropriately. A friendly reminder students cannot wear coats during the school day.
ATTENTION PARENTS AND GUARDIANS!
- Student behavioral expectations (e.g. bullying, harassment, respect, etc.)
- Celebrations (e.g. JAG of the month, House Points, awards, Honor Roll recognition, etc.)
- Community Circles (e.g. current events such as social justice, tolerance/acceptance of all groups, etc.)
- Student Support Systems (counseling services)
- Empowerment Meetings
AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION or SUSPENSION
- Dress code violation (ladies must wear a long shirt to cover their bottoms when wearing leggings)
- Loitering
- Cell phones
- Earbuds, headphones, air pods, etc.
- Inappropriate behavior
Please note: Parents will be contacted when a scholar receives a detention or suspension. It is also the responsibility of the scholar to inform their parent/guardian of any disciplinary actions.
Breakfast & Lunch Information
We are pleased to inform you that Southfield Public Schools will be participating in the
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and School
Breakfast Programs for the School Year 2023-2024. The GREAT NEWS is that ALL students enrolled at our school can receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at NO CHARGE to your household each day.
Please read and fill in the Household Information Report Survey 2023-2024 -Letter to Households by clicking on the link: Household Information Report. Completed forms can be returned to Levey’s Main Office. Click on the link below for additional information.
E-Cigarettes/Vaping-What You Need to Know
E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco products among kids, with nearly 12 percent of high school students nationwide using e-cigarettes on a regular basis. One-third of US middle school and high school students report using e-cigarettes at one point. The most common type of e-cigarette, when it comes to teens, usually looks like other everyday items, such as highlighters , flash drives or smartwatches (or these). Plus, they come in fun shapes and colors that appeal to younger consumers. You can even buy a hoodie with an e-cigarette in the string.
What teens and most adults don’t realize is that almost all e-cigarettes (Vape) contain nicotine. Even when the packaging states zero nicotine, research has found that most actually do contain nicotine. For example, an individual JUUL cartridge contains the same amount of nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes. Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control as the brain keeps developing until about age 25
This past March, the FDA authorized that e-cigarettes can remain on the market. However, it does not mean the products are safe, nor are they "FDA approved," the agency said. "All tobacco products are harmful and potentially addictive," the FDA said in a news release. "Those who do not use tobacco products shouldn't start."
If your student is using e-cigarettes/vape pens, consult your primary care physician to help develop a plan to stop this harmful habit. For additional resources: visit My Life My Quit.
E-Cigarettes/Vape pens are prohibited on school grounds. If students are found in possession of an e-cigarettes/vape pen they will be suspended long term and taken before the superintendent to decide their future as a Levey student.
Attendance Robocalls
If your child has an unexcused absence, you will receive a phone call from the district. If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding a call you receive, please contact the school’s main office. The number called will be the one listed in MiStar for your child. If you wish to change your phone number in MiStar, you can visit the district website https://www.southfieldk12.org/ and click on Parents & Students. Scroll to Parent Portal (MiStar). Here you will be able to change your phone number or any other information with the exception of your address. If you need to make an address change, you will need to contact the Enrollment Department @ 248-746-7607.
Ask for HELP!
SPEAK UP with OK2SAY!
OK2SAY is the student safety program which allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, and schools. It uses a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and law enforcement officials about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment.
Click on the link below for additional information.
THE COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Parents and students may schedule an appointment to speak with a counselor by sending an email to the counselor directly. Our Counseling Department is committed to the following:
● Assisting in the emotional and educational development of each student.
● Providing a variety of resources and interventions that prepare students for their post-secondary education/training.
● Helping students strive for a balance in character and academics.
● Meeting with students throughout the year.
● The counselors offer a series of workshops, seminars, and group sessions that reflect the students’ interests and academic needs.
Juantonia Hill
6th and 7th Grade
Email: juantonia.hill@southfieldk12.org
Taliah Williams-Hunter
8th Grade
CHROMEBOOKS
CELL PHONE POLICY
Students are allowed to bring cell phones to school. They are allowed to listen to music and play games on their cell phones before school and after school. Students must keep cell phones out of sight and turned off during the school day. Please reinforce this expectation with your scholar so they are well aware.
Also, please do not allow your child to call or text you from school using their cell phone for any reason, including to come pick them up when they do not feel well. Proper procedure is to report to the teacher first and then the student will be sent to the counseling center to call home if needed. Misuse will result in confiscation of the cell phone and the parent will be required to come pick up the phone and discipline will be enforced. If the student continues to misuse their cell phone, the student will be required to check their cell phone into the office each morning.
The district is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones.
Please remind your scholar that cell phones, earbuds, headphones and airpods should be in their lockers. Scholars that are in possession of a cell phone, earbuds, headphones, airpods, etc. will be disciplined.
Students should not text parents during the school day; especially if they are not feeling well. They should go to the counseling center if they don't feel well and staff will call you if your student needs to be picked up.
For other circumstances, students may ask to use the office phone. Thank you for helping remind students we don't use our cell phones during the school day. We want to keep our focus on learning during the school day!
Student Code of Conduct:
Possession of Cellular Phones/Devices of Electronic Communication Students may be in possession of a cellular telephone, pager/beeper or other electronic communications device subject to the Administrative Rules and the terms contained herein. Cellular telephones and other electronic communications devices shall be turned off upon entering campus at the start of the school day and may not be turned back on until after the student completes his/her last class in the afternoon. Such devices shall not be used on any school property, which includes, but is not limited to, school buses. Further, students are prohibited from displaying and/or having the aforementioned devices visible during instructional time or in the passing time between classes.
In no case will students be allowed to use the device’s wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet of the devices.
Parents or guardians are urged to teach their children the proper etiquette of cell phone use and to monitor the use of same.
The District is not responsible for lost or stolen cellular phones and/or electronic communications devices and recommends parents provide insurance for same. Students violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action (i.e., detention, suspension and/or expulsion).
AIR PODS, EARBUDS, HEADPHONES are PROHIBITED
Please note: Levey will not be responsible for lost or stolen, cell phones, air pods, earbuds, or headphones.
Students are not allowed to use cell phones during school hours.
Southfield Public Schools Immunization Requirements
Michigan law requires that all students must be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases to attend school. If you received a noticed that your scholar is not in compliance with immunization requirements please make sure immunizations are complete by the date issued on the letter sent home. Unfortunately, all scholars that are not in compliance will be suspended until vaccinations are updated. Please click on the links for additional information.
In-school Birthday Celebration Policy
WATER BOTTLES FOR SALE!
Student Code of Conduct
Prior to the first day of school, review the Southfield Public Schools Code of Conduct with your scholar to ensure their success academically and socially.
https://www.southfieldk12.org/downloads/public_relations/2019_southfield_code_of_conduct_1.pdf
Parent Login to Schoology: Monitoring Your Scholars Academic Progress and Behavior
Our Learning Management System is Schoology. Schoology is a social networking service and virtual learning environment for K-12 school and higher education institutions that allows users to create, manage, and share academic content. Click on the link below for information.
Go to schoology.com
- Click sign up at the top of the page
- Select Parent
- Enter the parent access code. The 12 digit code is xxxx-xxxx-xxxx (this code comes from your child's teacher)
- Fill out the form with your information
- Click Register to complete
- Note: when you use a parent access code to create an account, you are automatically associated with your child. You can add additional children to your account using the “add child” button.
SPIRIT DAYS
"Students with school spirit do more than show support for their school. They perform better academically, are more socially and civically engaged, and are happier in general than their less-spirited peers. What's more, the majority of principals (92%) feel that school spirit is tied to high student achievement."
Order your spirit gear today! Every Monday is Levey Jaguar Spirit Day! Click on the link below to order your spirit gear.
The program is free for participants to use and Glenn W. Levey Middle School will receive funds at the end of each quarter based on the number of prescriptions filled and qualifying purchases that its registered participants make. We need your support to help fund fun activities for students and our therapy dog program. By following these simple steps below, you can make a difference for our community.
All you have to do to get started is to click on our link and register: support.rxfundraising.com/LeveyMiddleSchool
Once you have completed that, please make sure to register for a Rite Aid Wellness+ Rewards Number if you haven’t done so already. Then, transfer your existing prescriptions to Rite Aid and start using your Rite Aid Wellness+ Rewards Number to accrue funds for us on prescriptions and qualifying purchases.
If you would like more information on how you can register you may email us at annmarie.keller@southfieldk12.org or call us at (248) 746-8740.
We look forward to your full support!
Thank you,
Principal Jackson
Important information to note:
Because of the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this upcoming school year, many things are still the same, but many things will be different.
- We will continue utilizing Schoology as the primary delivery platform for instructional materials. Thus, we can continue to remain largely paperless and fully leverage the capabilities of the one-to-one technology devices
- Ensure that if it should become necessary, all instructional materials can be seamlessly accessed virtually
- SPS is a one-to-one device division and all students have been issued an electronic device. If your student does not already have a SPS-issued device, please contact Oakland Schools @ 248.209.2060.
- Per SPS mask guidance, masks are optional for all participants inside the building.
In Need of After School Care?
‘Field Zone
The ‘Field Zone tentatively plans to open on October 9th after school - 7:00 pm. If you are interested in enrolling your scholar, please send an email to rachel.frank@miclubs.org. (At this time the $50.00 enrollment fee is being waived.) In your email, you must include the following information: Your child(ren)’s name(s), age(s), grade(s), school(s), and indicate if there is a special program in which you’d like to enroll. For more information about the ‘Field Zone visit https://www.miclubs.org/southfield/. Transportation is provided from Levey to the ‘Field Zone. Add Flyer
Reporting Student Absences
Within 24 hours, parents/guardians should report an absence to Mrs. Taber at patricia.taber@southfieldk12.org or call 248-746-8760. Absences not excused after five school days can not be excused. Changes can not be made.
MiStar Parent Portal
We encourage families to make sure their information is correct in the MiStar Parent Portal by this link below:
To find out more about how to access the MiStar Parent Portal, please visit the link below: https://www.southfieldk12.org/parents-students/parent-portal-help-page/
Link to Parent Portal: MiStar Parent Portal account.
*Make sure to update your MISTAR information online or call the school office.
Did you know parents may access student information, report absences and complete back to school packets online via on our mobile app? The Parent Connection Mobile App is available for download on iPhone and Android devices. You can find these mobile apps on the iTunes or Google Play store by searching "Q Parent Connection"(vendor name is Aequitas), or by scanning the appropriate QR Codes (see attached) with your phone's camera.
Drop off and Pick up Information
PARKING LOT
We usually send this message at multiple times throughout the year because it is so very important.
Driving in our Parking Lot
Please remember to drive with caution as you enter and exit our school parking lots. The traffic flow at all schools is slow and that is the safest for our kids.
Please try not to be in a hurry when dropping off and picking up your children. We have noticed some drivers who have not been driving cautiously and we need to be safe with our children, families, and staff all around.
Crosswalks
Please also remember to always use the crosswalks. It becomes unsafe when children and parents walk in and out of cars in the parking lots. The crosswalks are the safest areas to use when walking in the parking lots.
No Unattended Vehicles in the Drop Off Lanes
Please remember, there is no parking in the drop off lane, so please pull all the way up to the front of the drop off lane (by the front of the school), drop your child off (parents/drivers need stay in the car) and then you may keep moving.
Before School Drop-Off
If you arrive early and don't want to let your child out yet, please park in a parking area in the rear of the school until ready to drop off. Remember, all students need to use a crosswalk with security before and after school.
After School Pick-up
All parents must park in the rear of the school. Students that are carpooled will exit the rear of the building. Students will enter parent's cars in the parking lot. Parents should proceed in the far right lane to exit the campus once their child is in the car.
Respecting Staff
Please respect the Levey staff. Their job is to keep everyone safe. At times they may ask you to follow certain rules you may not agree with. Please do not take it personal. They are doing their jobs. The goal is to keep you, your children, and everyone safe. Thank you for understanding.
Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe.
Levey Middle School
Principal: Sonia Jackson sonia.jackson@southfieldk12.org
Assistant Principal: James Miller james.miller@southfieldk12.org
Climate and Culture: Joel Blankenship joel.blankenship@southfieldk12.org
Main Office Assistant: Ms. Keller annmarie.keller@southfield12.org
Counseling Center Assistant: Mrs. Taber patricia.taber@southfieldk12.org
Email: sonia.jackson@southfieldk12.org
Website: https://www.southfieldk12.org/schools/ms/levey-middle-school/
Location: 25300 West Nine Mile Road, Southfield, MI, USA
Phone: 248- 746-8740
Instagram: leveymiddleschool_southfield
Facebook: facebook.com/ourschool
Twitter: Coming soon