Oxford High School Families,
We know that seeing a Hold at Oxford High School can understandably cause concern, particularly in a community that cares deeply about the safety and well-being of our students. We want to provide some additional information about what occurred today and help clarify some of the information that may be circulating online.
Earlier today, a student allowed two other OHS students to enter the building through an unauthorized entry door. Once this was identified, OHS was placed in a Hold while staff worked to locate and identify the students. The students were located and the Hold was lifted.
As a follow-up, staff will review our current protocols and procedures related to building access and unauthorized entry. We are not able to provide information about any individual student disciplinary matters.
We also want to clarify what the different Standard Response Protocol (SRP) actions mean. These protocols are action-based and are used based on the circumstances at the time. A Hold, for example, does not mean the same thing as a Lockdown.
Hold: Used when hallways need to be kept clear. Students and staff remain in their current locations while normal classroom activities continue. Examples include a medical emergency or other situation where movement through the building needs to pause.
Secure: Used to safeguard people within the building, such as when there is a concern outside the building. Examples could include police in the area or another situation where everyone needs to be brought inside and exterior doors secured.
Lockdown: Used to secure individual rooms and keep occupants quiet and in place when there is an immediate threat inside the building. This is the protocol used for situations such as an intruder or weapon threat. This is also where our ALICE protocols are enacted.
Evacuate: Used when people need to move from one location to another because remaining in the current location or section of a building is not safe. A common example would be a fire or other building damage.
Shelter: Used when a specific hazard requires a designated safety strategy for protection. An example would be a tornado warning.
The Standard Response Protocol gives schools, students, staff, families and first responders a common language for responding to a variety of situations. You can learn more about the SRP through the I Love U Guys Foundation.
We appreciate the care our community has for our students, and we appreciate your support as we continue to review and strengthen the safety practices that help keep our schools secure.
Sincerely,
Oxford Community Schools
Oxford High School Families,
Oxford High School briefly entered a Hold today as a precaution while staff addressed a matter involving students.
Students and staff remained safe throughout the Hold. The matter has been addressed, the Hold has been lifted, and the school day will continue as normal.
What is a Hold? Under the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a Hold is used when there is a need to keep students and staff in their current locations. Hallways are cleared, while normal classroom activities continue. A Hold is different from a Lockdown, which is used when there is an immediate threat inside the building.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Oxford Community Schools
Dear Families and Students of Oxford High School,
I'm writing to inform you of a concerning comment brought to the administration's attention late last evening. The comment was posted on one of our OHS student-run Instagram accounts, regarding OHS afterschool homecoming activities. The post did not contain a specific threat.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office was involved promptly and an investigation was initiated. We can confirm the post was not made by an Oxford student. At this time, there is no known ongoing threat to our school or students.
I also want to thank our students and community members who saw the post and immediately reported it to OK2Say.
I'm sorry that our school community, and our students in particular, encountered this. As a reminder, our counseling staff is available to support any student who needs it.
Sincerely,
Brad Bigelow, Principal
Oxford High School
Dear Wildcat Families:
Oxford High School’s football games have long been a wonderful tradition in our community. To ensure this experience continues to be safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all, we have implemented some expectations/guidelines for this season. These updates are based on feedback from families, staff, and public safety partners, and align with best practices being adopted across the region.
Updates and Reminders for the 2026 Season:
No Re-Entry to the Stadium.
All Oxford High School students must have a school ID for entry. Showing PowerSchool schedule is allowed.
Expect to go through the Evolv weapons detection system for entry.
Students: No bags of any kind will be allowed for students.
No outside footballs or sporting equipment.
Middle School and Elementary aged children are to be accompanied, supervised by, and in the vicinity of an adult.
Our ticket workers will not allow unsupervised students to enter into the stadium.
If there are issues with accompanied students gathering and causing unsafe issues, parents will be contacted and the students will be barred for the rest of the season.
Adults: No backpacks or large bags. Small purses, diaper bags, and medical bags are permissible and are subject to search.
The circle drive in the south parking lot will be blocked off before, during, and after the game.
OHS parking lots will not be open to non-OHS staff and students until 4:00 p.m. on game day.
No outside food or beverages are allowed into the stadium. This includes empty or filled bottles, cups, thermos containers, coolers, mugs, etc.
Oxford Community Schools prohibits the possession and/or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and weapons while on school property and at any district-related event. Please see Policies 3102.01 and 3408.01 for more information.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited; anyone who attempts to bring alcohol and/or is visibly under the influence of any substance will be removed for the rest of the season.
All school rules and district policies are in effect and will be enforced for this event.
We remain committed to providing our students, families, and community members with an enjoyable game-day experience that reflects the values of Oxford Community Schools. Your partnership is key in making that possible. Should there be anything we can do to assist you or your student, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Let’s have a safe, spirited, and successful season. Go Wildcats!
Sincerely,
Tony DeMare, Athletic Director, Oxford Community Schools
Brad Bigelow, Principal, Oxford High School
Dear Oxford Schools Families,
Due to the potential for additional severe weather this afternoon, all after-school activities at Oxford Middle School are cancelled today.
At this time:
Oxford High School football game: Still scheduled to be played as planned.
OHS Tennis and Golf: Cancelled.
Other OHS sports and activities: High school coaches and advisors will communicate directly with students and families regarding any changes.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Oxford Community Schools
Dear Oxford Schools Families,
The Shelter status for all district buildings has been officially lifted, and all facilities have returned to normal operations.
Due to the timing of additional severe weather expected this afternoon, our secondary buildings will dismiss early today:
Oxford Middle School:
1:00 p.m.
Oxford Bridges High School:
1:00 p.m.
Oxford High School:
1:30 p.m.
Elementary schools will remain on their regular dismissal and bussing schedules.
Our students and staff did a fantastic job following our Standard Response Protocol quickly, calmly, and safely today.
Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to keep our school community safe.
Oxford Community Schools
Dear Oxford Schools Families,
We are currently in a "Shelter" status districtwide due to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (70+ mph winds). What this means: SHELTER is called when personal protection is necessary due to environmental conditions or severe weather. Students and staff move to designated safe areas and follow specific safety strategies.
Situation: We are currently responding to Severe Weather in our area.
Student Status: All students are in designated safe areas within the building and are under the supervision of staff.
Action: Do not travel to the school. During severe weather, it is safer for you and your child to remain in your current safe location.
Next Steps: We will continue to monitor the situation and will notify you as soon as the hazard has passed and the "All Clear" is given.
Sincerely,
Oxford Community Schools
OHS Curriculum Night is TONIGHT!
9.2.26
6:30-8:30 PM
Good Evening Oxford Schools Families!
We’ve heard from many of you that there are too many different apps, emails, and places to check for information from school. We’re writing to make you aware of a change we’re making to how we communicate with families and hopefully help simplify things. This year, we’re working to bring more communication together in one place.
This week, we’ll begin launching Rooms, a new communication tool built into the Oxford Community Schools app. Rooms will allow families to receive messages and communicate with teachers, and other school staff through one system.
✅ What you need to do now:
If you haven’t already, please Download the Oxford Community Schools app on your phone. This will be the easiest way to access Rooms once it goes live. You can also customize your notification preferences and choose how you want to receive messages, including through the app, text, and email.
This will be a transition, but starting this school year, Rooms will become our primary method of digital communication between teachers, staff, students, and families. You will also continue to receive communications from school buildings and the district with important news, announcements, school cancellations, etc.
We know it will take a little time to get used to a new system, but we hope bringing more of our communication into one place will make things easier for families.
Sincerely,
Oxford Community Schools
Dear Oxford Families,
We are excited to welcome our Wildcats back for the 2026-27 school year! As we prepare for the start of school, please review the important information and upcoming dates below. We have also attached our Welcome Back Wildcats Flyer with additional back-to-school events and information for each building.
Please complete these items as soon as possible:
Complete the Annual Information Update in PowerSchool: Please login to PowerSchool to complete the required forms as soon as possible. Check your email from yesterday for additional information on this process.
Complete the Education & Nutrition Benefits Application: While the state is funding free breakfast and lunch for all students, we strongly encourage every family to complete the application. The information helps determine eligibility for various supports and funding that benefit both families and our schools.
Important Back-to-School Dates:
August 21: Elementary homeroom assignments are expected to be emailed to families.
August 21: Bus stop information, including times and locations, is expected to be emailed to families and will also be available in PowerSchool.
August 26 at noon: First day for Oxford Virtual Academy students.
August 27: First day of school for students in our in-person, Oxford buildings.
Families can expect to begin receiving updates, newsletters and other important information from their child's school building soon. Please check your spam or junk email folder if you are not receiving communications. Completing your Annual Information Update will also help ensure we have your current contact information.
Our administrative assistants returned to our school buildings yesterday and are working through requests that have come in over the summer. We appreciate your patience as they work to respond to families and prepare for the start of the school year.
For additional back-to-school information, including school supply lists, staff directories, calendars and more, visit oxfordschools.org or download the Oxford Community Schools mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
We look forward to a great start to the new school year!
Oxford Community Schools
Dear Oxford Community Schools Families,
To help us ensure you receive important school and district information, it's time for one parent or guardian for each student to complete the 2026-27 Annual Information Update.
Your information is used to:
Keep phone numbers, email addresses and emergency contacts current
Ensure we can quickly reach you in an emergency
Provide access to important forms, notices and school information
Review and acknowledge required policies, including the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
Step 1: Login to Your PowerSchool Parent Portal Account
Go to: oxford.powerschool.com/public and login with the credentials you previously created.
Step 2: Complete the Annual Information Update
Please complete all required forms for each student.
Form 1: Student Contact Information
Update emergency contacts and general contact information.
All students must have at least three contacts listed (Parent/Guardian and at least one additional person).
Form 2: Student Health History
Provide or confirm current health and medical information for your student.
Form 3: District and Student Policy Updates
Review and acknowledge important policy updates for the new school year.
Note: only one parent or guardian can submit the Annual Information Update.
For questions or assistance, please contact your school's main office or Barb Massie (barbara.massie@oxfordschools.org).
Sincerely,
Oxford Community Schools
Tomorrow is Election Day.
Oxford residents, voting precincts were changed this year. To be prepared before tomorrow, please use the tools on this page to ensure you’re headed to the correct polling place. It may be different than the place you voted in November.
If you haven’t already voted, you can drop off your absentee ballot or vote in-person tomorrow. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Local elections are often decided by a small number of votes, and every vote helps shape the future of our community.
Helpful Resources
OCS Operating Millage: https://www.oxfordschools.org/o/ocs/page/millage
Voter and Ballot Information: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
Oakland Schools Enhancement Millage information: https://oaklandenhancementmillage.com/
Thank you for staying informed and participating in the election!
Election Day is just a few days away.
If you haven’t voted yet, early in-person voting continues this weekend.
For Oxford and Addison Township voters, the location for early in-person voting is the Orion Township Recreation Center at 3800 Baldwin Rd, Orion Township, MI 48359. The hours for early voting are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. every day except for July 30 (voting hours on July 30 are 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.).
If you don’t vote early, please take a minute to decide when and where you’ll vote to ensure you’re ready on Election Day, August 4.
Helpful Resources
OCS Operating Millage: https://www.oxfordschools.org/o/ocs/page/millage
Voter and Ballot Information: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
Oakland Schools Enhancement Millage information: https://oaklandenhancementmillage.com/
Thank you for taking part in your community by voting!
Election Update - What You’ll See on Your Ballot
As you prepare to vote in the August 4 election, please be aware that you'll see two separate school-related funding proposals on your ballot. While both would provide funding to Oxford Community Schools if approved, they are different proposals that serve different purposes.
Oxford Community Schools Non-Homestead Operating Millage
Does not increase taxes on primary residences
Supports day-to-day school operations
Restores the current operating millage to 18 mills on non-homestead property and renews for ten years
Operating millages have been part of Michigan’s school funding system since Proposal A in 1994.
Oakland Schools Enhancement Millage
Applies to all taxable property in Oakland County, including primary residences
Funding would be distributed countywide to public schools based on student enrollment.
Oxford Community Schools would receive more funding than taxpayers in our district boundaries would contribute.
These are two separate ballot questions, and voters may vote on each proposal independently.
Helpful Resources
OCS Operating Millage: https://www.oxfordschools.org/o/ocs/page/millage
Voter and Ballot Information: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
Oakland Schools Enhancement Millage information: https://oaklandenhancementmillage.com/
OCS Non-Homestead Operating Millage Ballot Language
Thank you for staying informed and participating in your community!
Oxford Community Schools
A perfect evening last night for an amazing Oxford High School graduation! We're so proud of everything you’ve accomplished! Congratulations Class of 2026!!! 🎓
#OCSWildcats #WorldClassWildcats
Dear Oxford High School Families,
Following this morning’s evacuation due to a natural gas odor, the building has been thoroughly assessed and cleared by the fire department. Students and staff have safely returned inside, and normal operations have resumed.
At this time, there are no safety concerns. Our team will continue working to determine the source of the odor.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Oxford Community Schools
Dear Oxford High School Families,
This morning, we identified a strong natural gas odor in Oxford High School. Out of an abundance of caution, we have evacuated the entire building and moved students and staff outside while the situation is assessed.
The fire department is on-site and actively working to determine the source. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding.
- Oxford Community Schools
Dear OHS and OMS Families,
Oxford High School will dismiss early today due to a power outage caused by a downed power line on Ray Road east of Oxford Road. Ray Road is closed in that area, so please avoid traveling that route to or from the school.
Buses will arrive at OHS around 2:00 PM for dismissal. They will then travel to Oxford Middle School to pick up students there and begin afternoon drop-offs. OMS will dismiss at their regular time, and both OHS and OMS students will arrive home approximately 30 minutes early today.
Elementary dismissal times are not affected at this point.
Some afterschool activities may still take place, especially outdoor activities. Coaches and advisors will share updates directly regarding today’s schedules.
Thank you for your understanding,
Oxford Community Schools
Dear Oxford High School Families,
Oxford High School experienced a brief power outage today that lasted about 20 minutes. Power has since been restored, and the cause remains unknown at this time.
All students and staff remained safe, and our team did a great job supporting students throughout the situation. Lunch was still able to be provided.
Sincerely,
Oxford Community Schools
Due to changing weather conditions this morning, we anticipate some bus routes may run late as drivers exercise extra caution. Thank you for your patience.
If you have questions, please contact our transportation office at (248) 969-1888.