With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we thought it would be appropriate to spend some time thinking about the impact our alma maters have had on our lives, and why we should be thankful for them. There are so many things about Farmington public schools to love and appreciate; here are just a few that you might be thankful for yourself:

Many alumni like to find ways to stay connected to their alma mater after graduating high school. Some might wish to even engage in advocacy on behalf of their former school or district, seeking ways to support programs, educational initiatives, fundraisers and referendums. 

While taking an active role as an advocate for public schools is understandably not for everyone, school districts are also more likely to thrive when there is a strong, supportive advocacy group comprising community members and alumni. So if you’re looking to take on a more active role in advocating for your alma mater, here are some of the ways you can step up.

If you're like most people, you may not have the tightest connection with your high school alma mater. It's typical for graduates to go out into the world, heading off to college, trade school, the workforce or the armed forces. It’s the beginning of adult life. 

As time goes on, we tend to lose a strong sense of connection with the schools we attended in our formative years. But more than any yearbook, class ring or Facebook group, staying engaged and involved with your alma mater is a great way to keep that connection—and even help out current students in meaningful ways. 

The start of the 2020-21 school year will be like any other we have experienced here in the Farmington and Farmington Hills community. Throughout the summer, the Farmington Public Schools' administrators, teachers and staff have been hard at work preparing for a variety of scenarios related to how teaching and learning could look in an age of the COVID-19 pandemic.

States are slowly beginning to lift or relax stay-at-home orders, although many will still have some stringent restrictions in place for business operations and public gatherings. 

For those of you who live in areas where these orders have been relaxed or will be soon, it is important to continue to prioritize your safety when you venture into public and begin interacting more with other people outside of your immediate family.

Below are a few tips that will help you stay safe as we continue to adjust to life during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our everyday lives completely upside down. Social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders have resulted in social isolation, loss of work, financial pressures and a great deal of additional stress for most of us. 

While it's important to monitor your physical health during the pandemic and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of the virus, it is equally important to monitor your mental and emotional health and to engage in self-care strategies and coping mechanisms to help you get through this difficult time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to massive changes in the day-to-day lives of just about every American, including here in the Farmington/Farmington Hills community.

While some people are still going to work due to an “essential” classification, many others have been left jobless as a result of the pandemic. They may need to seek various forms of assistance to help get them through the next several weeks and months. 

Below, we have compiled some resources and tips you can use if you need some assistance during this incredibly challenging time.

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has a lot of people stuck at home. Now that we’re several weeks into it, there are likely to be many people with cabin fever wondering what they can do to make a positive difference in what is an incredibly difficult time for our communities.

Even in a time of social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, there are still many ways you can help out. Below are some examples:

Spring is about to arrive here in Farmington, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for FPS alumni of all ages to hit the town and enjoy some great events! Whether you’re looking to connect to your roots and enjoy a spring sporting event, or you’re looking for a great way to spend an evening with fellow alumni, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do this spring.

As a proud FPS Alumni, you know there are so many things to love about our schools and community. While we enjoy the benefits of a strong public school district every day, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on what makes our schools so special. 

If we could write a love letter to the Farmington Public Schools community, here are some of our favorite things that we would praise.

The students

A school would be nothing without its bright, eager students. We were once students at Farmington schools, and know just how special it is to receive an education here. We’re grateful for the experiences students have shared across the generations. More importantly, we’re excited to see the new opportunities our current students are exploring!

The teachers, administrators and staff

Teachers are the heart of our schools. They dedicate their careers and their lives to ensuring generations of young students are excited about learning and prepared for adulthood. Staff are critical to ensuring that teachers and students alike are supported in their learning. Administrators make the big decisions that keep our schools and district moving forward.

The volunteers

Students, teachers and staff have an important job to do, but volunteers help because they want to join our mission. Community service is a central tenet of our district's values and embodies the FPS spirit. We’re so grateful to those who choose to spend their time in classrooms, on campus, on the field and organizing events. So many of our favorite activities could not happen without volunteers! 

The teams

Who doesn’t love cheering on their favorite teams? Our student-athletes bring us so much pride on and off the field. Whether they are crushing our rivals, making us proud as college athletes or taking their skills all the way to the top of their game, we’re grateful that they represent us so well.

Our Alumni

We may be biased, but FPS alumni are the best! We’re always so happy to see alumni from across the decades show their continued pride for our schools. Whether it’s planning class reunions or cheering hard at homecoming, our alumni sure know how to show current students the true value of our community.

There are so many people, places and events that make our community special. Some of them helped shape our youth, while others arrived later to benefit younger alumni and students. No matter how far you are removed from the halls of Farmington schools, you can still show some love and say thank you for all those wonderful years.