William Ford Elementary

New Addition Flood Update

William Ford Elementary Parents,
As most of you are aware, William Ford had substantial flooding in the new addition on Monday afternoon due to a faulty sprinkler valve in a classroom upstairs. Over the past twenty-four hours restoration crews have been working to remove any water, begin the drying process and assess areas and materials in classrooms that need to be rebuilt and replaced. On Tuesday, January 19th it was necessary to cancel classes for our three kindergartens in the new addition; Ms. Vann, Ms. Hamm & Ms. Hodgkinson. Students from the three fourth grade classrooms in the new addition were moved to other rooms in the building for the day. I am very proud of the students and staff for understanding the situation, yet ensuring a productive learning day for your children. We have received full support from the Superintendent and District Operations. I also thank our parents and families for their support.
All students will report to school on Wednesday, January 20th. A friendly reminder that Wednesday is a Late Start Day and that school begins at 9:30. At this time we are confident that all fourth grade classes will return to their rooms on Wednesday, with the exception of Ms. Currie’s class. Ms. Currie’s class will take temporary residence in the computer lab upstairs. As for our kindergarten classes, it is likely that the rooms in the new addition will not be available until next Monday. Kindergarten teachers have an outstanding plan to combine classes and co-teach from the kindergarten rooms in the original building. You can rest assured that we will continue to deliver curriculum and instruction at the highest level while repairs are made.
For the rest of this week we do need to amend our arrival and departure plan. Kindergarten, first and second grades will arrive and dismiss from the front door. To help with congestion, kindergarten will dismiss at 3:25, followed by first and second grades. Third, fourth and fifth will arrive and dismiss through the east doors/staff parking lot at regular dismissal time of 3:35.
Again, I thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 313-827-6404.

Best regards,

David Higgins

Principal, William Ford Elementary