Remote Learning 12/3 & Mercy HS Safety Info
December 2, 2021
Dear Mercy Family,
We recognize this is a time during which all of us are praying and processing the Oxford HS tragedy and resulting behaviors in a variety of ways. We know members of our Mercy community have family and friends directly impacted.
We have just learned that a majority of Oakland County schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, December 3. Although there are no credible threats to Mercy High School, we understand the extreme anxiety and stress that students are experiencing. We also understand the need for continued instruction with approaching final exams.
Many schools in the area are turning to remote learning since the current environment is not conducive to productive in-person learning. We will have a remote learning day tomorrow, Friday, December 3 following our normal daily schedule. Adviser Group will not meet.
Students are required to check Mercy email and their class Schoology pages for instructions from teachers about class tomorrow, Friday, December 3. Teachers have been given the flexibility to teach synchronously or asynchronously, as best supports class learning needs. Attendance will be taken via Zoom, e-tickets/Google Form or Schoology quizzes. All end of the semester dates and deadlines will remain the same. Teachers may call in classes on unscheduled days the next two weeks if needed.
The safety and well being of our students, faculty and staff is of the utmost priority. When local devastating events occur, it is important to highlight what we are doing at Mercy High School to keep everyone on our campus safe. We are extremely grateful for our continued partnership with the Farmington Hills Police Department. Please know emergency procedures are in place which are routinely reviewed and practiced:
- All school doors locked and monitored
- Emergency drills including ALICE training (most recently held on 11/2/21)
- Full time day and evening security guard
- Classroom quick emergency response cards and medical kits
- AEDs throughout the school
- CPR certified staff including 5 American Heart Association trainers
- Video surveillance cameras throughout campus
- Raptor Visitor Management System
- Continuous cybersecurity audit and updates
- Fire and tornado drills
- Farmington Hills Police Department School Liaison Officer
Please remember if you or your daughter see or hear anything that causes you concern, please share with an administrator or local law enforcement. Additionally, there is a state-wide tip line, OK2SAY which encourages confidential tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees or schools. OK2SAY phone number is 855-565-2729 (8-555-OK2SAY); text number is 652729 (OK2SAY) and email is OK2SAY@MI.GOV.
As we continue to send our love and prayers to the Oxford community, we also know many of our own students and families may be struggling. Our Counseling Office, Campus Ministry and Administration are available for support. Here are additional crisis resources to help you speak with and reassure your daughter:
- National Association of School Psychologists. Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
- NCTSN. Talking to Children About the Shooting
- Harvard Graduate School of Education. Coping with Community Crisis
- Oakland Community Health Network Tips for Families to Manage Stress or Trauma Associated with a Local Crisis
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we work together to keep our Mercy family safe. We look forward to welcoming our students back to campus on Monday, December 6.
Let peace return; O Lord, please bless our hearts with love, our minds with rest, our bonds with unity and trust.
In Mercy,
Mercy High School Administrative Team