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From The Superintendent

THANKFUL MAY

May means celebrations! Throughout the school year, we celebrate and recognize our students for their hard work and talents. These meaningful moments are essential points of pride for students, families, and the district. As we embark on many celebrations this month, please make sure you follow us on social media and watch this newsletter for more highlights!

May is also a time to honor the diverse professionals who contribute to our students' growth throughout the year. From coaches and teachers to secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals, support staff, bus drivers, food service workers, lunch aides, latchkey staff, administrators, and many more, Staff Appreciation Month celebrates all these extraordinary individuals.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the employees who support our students, families, and each other throughout the school year.

Parents and students, join me in thanking those who have made a difference in your life by sending them a note or simply saying thank you!

- Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Superintendent Royal Oak Schools

Michigan Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Month

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the State Board of Education are taking this opportunity to honor the vital role teachers play in shaping students' lives. This year’s festivities kick off with Teacher Appreciation Week, running from May 6 to 10.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice emphasizes the profound impact that teachers have on their students, both academically and socioemotionally. He praises Michigan teachers for their daily contributions to enhancing children's lives. Dr. Pamela Pugh, President of the State Board of Education, also expresses her gratitude towards the dedication and hard work of Michigan’s teachers. To further celebrate, MDE encourages families and community members to participate by submitting videos of students expressing their appreciation. These videos are showcased on MDE’s YouTube channel and their dedicated Teacher Appreciation website.

For those interested in discovering more about the initiatives and programs dedicated to teacher recognition, please visit the MDE Recognition Programs website at michigan.gov.

This month serves as a reminder of the essential role teachers play in fostering a community of excellence and shaping a dynamic, knowledgeable future generation.

Support Person of the Year

SUPPORT PERSON SURPRISED

Royal Oak Schools has named Terrie Kramer their Support Person of the Year. Terrie is a Paraprofessional at Addams Early Childhood Center in the Early Childhood Special Education classroom. Terrie was walking the halls with her students when she was surprised by Administrators, Staff, and friends. Terrie has been working in education for 33 years. Her supervisor, Danielle Truesdell, shared that Terrie's attendance is impeccable, her dedication to the students is incomparable, and she has a special way of bonding and building relationships with the youngest learners with the highest needs. Terrie said, "I love my job and my students. Receiving this award means the world to me and is something I will always cherish!“

Young Oaks Lottery

LOTTERY LINK LIVE THIS MONTH

Young Oaks Latchkey is more than just a childcare service; it's a cornerstone of our efforts to nurture the growth and development of our students. Our lottery for the 2024-25 school year begins this month. The links to all six elementary school programs will be live at 9:00 AM on Monday, May 6. Families will be notified of their status (waitlist or acceptance) on Wednesday, May 22. Families must apply annually to be eligible for Young Oaks Latchkey. Use this link for more information. If you have any questions, please contact the Addams Early Childhood Center (ECC) at 248-288-3220 ext. 0.

Addams ECC Open House

Save the date! Addams Early Childhood Center will host a Meet-and-Greet on Thursday, May 16th, from 6 to 7:30 PM. This event will allow returning and new families to tour the building and learn more about our programs and curriculum.

Summer Learning

STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR SUMMER LEARNING

There is still time to sign up for summer school opportunities! Our summer school program offers math and ELA enrichment programs and a LEGO STEM opportunity for students in grades DK-8. These opportunities will definitely keep your students fully engaged over the break.

  • Session 1: June 24-July 12 (No school July 4-5)
  • Session 2: July 15-August 1
  • DK-5: 2 sessions, 3 weeks each (M-TH) - 8:30 - 11:30 AM
  • ROMS: 2 sessions, 3 weeks each (M-TH) - 8:45 - 11:45 AM

The cost is $160 per student per session. Royal Oak Schools has been covering the cost of summer programming for students for the last few years using ESSER funds (emergency COVID money), which have since ended. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Please reach out to Jennifer Knipper for assistance. (Jennifer.Knipper@royaloakschools.org)

Use the links below for more information and to register your child.

Art On Display

ART AND ABOUT

We're thrilled to announce Royal Oak Schools' inaugural art show, hosted at the RO Public Library! This exciting event marks a significant milestone for our community, providing a dedicated space to showcase our students' creativity. The exhibition will be open for viewing until May 19th.

Artwork adorns various areas of the library, from display cases near the entrance to the bookshelves, folding walls, and even brick surfaces. Representing each of our elementary schools, Royal Oak Middle School and Royal Oak High School, the display captures the diverse talents of our students.

Student Spotlight

STUDENTS CONTINUING EXCELLENCE

ROBOTICS PROPEL TO PLAYOFFS

Last month, Team 1188, the Ravens from Royal Oak High School, demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork at the Troy District Competition, concluding their 2024 season on a high note. From the outset, the Ravens demonstrated their prowess, achieving impressive scores in their matches. Among 42 competing teams, they secured the seventh-highest scoring rate overall and the second-highest in autonomous mode. Despite facing challenges at the final competition, which included a mechanical failure, the team's resilience and determination propelled them to a spot in the playoffs. They faced off against the eventual event finalist alliance led by the Utica Academy for International Studies team.

They secured impressive scores and earned the Gracious Professionalism Award for their spirit of collaboration. This recognition, nominated by fellow teams, underscored the Ravens' commitment to collaboration and sportsmanship.

Beyond the competition arena, the Royal Oak Robotics program extended its impact far and wide, mentoring over 20 local teams year-round and providing assistance to numerous others during competition weekends. They continue to inspire us all as they look back on their achievements.

THE BLOCK ADVANCED GRAPHICS STUDENTS SHINE

The Block Advanced Graphics and Graphic Communications students have once again demonstrated their exceptional talent and creativity, earning top honors in the SAE Detroit Poster Contest. This prestigious competition, organized annually by the Society of Automotive Engineers, challenges students to showcase their artistic skills while addressing a theme relevant to the automotive industry. This year's theme, "Mobility Moving Forward," inspired our students to create captivating and innovative designs that impressed the judges and secured several awards.

Congratulations to the following students who have received recognition for their outstanding contributions:

  • 1st Place, $1,500 - Gavin Cavell
  • 2nd Place, $1,000 - Danica Schmitt
  • 4th Place, $100 - Tristan Spong
  • 5th Place, $100 - Dominik Arnone
  • 6th Place, $100 - Presley Mamo
  • 7th Place, $100 - Robin Cronkite
  • 9th Place, $100 - Ravi Carden
2nd year class Graphic Communications winners: Presley Mamo (L, 6th), Gavin Cavell (M, 1st) , Tristan Spong (R, 4th)

Their winning posters were proudly displayed at the General Motors' HYDROTEC Fuel Cell Event during the WCX Conference in Detroit. Additionally, they'll be featured in the June issue of the Supercharger magazine.

RAVENS ROCK AT GERMAN FESTIVAL

Our Royal Oak Ravens made a remarkable impact at the annual German Day competition at the University of Michigan in April. Competing against students from across Michigan and Ohio, our talented participants secured an impressive total of 12 prizes across various categories.

Highlights of our students' achievements include:

  • 1st place in Skits, Level 4: Audrey Stocker, Adrian Vasicek, Jack Winterburn, Ava Suiter, and Reagan Mason.
  • 2nd place in Skits, Level 4: Ava Motz and Amanda Orlando.
  • 1st place in Commercials, Level 4: Adrian Vasicek and Naomi Zadorsky.
  • 2nd place in Commercials, Level 4: Esther Toy and Anna Twork.

And more accolades for our students:

  • 1st place in Skits, Level 3: Mike Stefanovski, Jordan Hills, Dakota Kelly, Leilene Jackson, Nolan Kaiser, Farah Terry, Liam Watkins, and Julia Malone.
  • 1st place in Podcasts: Owen Soper and Andrew Gotta.
  • 1st place in Website Design, advanced: Ben Peterson.

Congratulations to all our German Day participants for their outstanding achievements!

Use this link to learn more about the event and the winning entries.

STUDENT TAKES HOME AN EMMY

Senior Sam Klonke just upgraded his resume by winning a National Academy of Arts and Sciences - Michigan Chapter - Student Emmy. Sam produced "The Woodward Showdown," a documentary about the rivalry between the Royal Oak Ravens football team and the Berkley Bears. His win was in the Sports Story or Segment category against formidable foes from Rockford High School, East Kentwood, and Troy High.

Sam (middle) with his Royal Oak Schools Co-op Supervisor Jaret Grisamer (L) and his Film Production Teacher Mike Conrad (R).

ROMS JAZZ BAND EARNS TOP RATING

The Royal Oak Middle School Jazz Band wowed audiences and judges alike at the MSBOA State Jazz Festival, earning a prestigious first-division rating! Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing each student's incredible talent and dedication.

A huge congratulations to Kyrstin Jensen and all the ROMS Jazz Band students for this outstanding achievement! Your hard work and passion for music have truly paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of your success.

ROMS ROYAL READERS

Congratulations to Evelyn McKinney and Maddy Montgomery, 7th and 8th graders, respectively, for their outstanding achievement! They've read all 18 of the 2023 Royalbery books and were honored with a Recognition of Excellence trophy last month at the Staff vs Student volleyball game. This year's collection of Royalbery books has been announced. This link lets students dive into the magic of this year's selections. (They will want to bookmark the link, which will be updated regularly with fresh content.) ROMS has also partnered with Royal Oak Public Library to get students library cards. Families need to complete this form, and library cards will be delivered at the beginning of each month. They have also partnered with Sidetrack Bookshop for Royalbery Quiz Bowl Book Clubs. Book Club sign-up is located on the Sidetrack Bookshop website.

ROMS CREATIVE SHOE DESIGN CONTEST

In December last year, Royal Oak Middle School had the pleasure of hosting a captivating guest speaker, Jada "From the Block" Henderson. Jada, a celebrated custom shoe designer, shared her inspiring journey with Art and Design students, offering valuable insights into personal branding. Her visit aligned perfectly with the ongoing Middle Years Programme (MYP) Design unit on Personal Branding, enriching students' understanding of identity and its connection to the world around them.

The collaboration between Jada and Royal Oak Middle School not only enhanced students' comprehension of personal branding but also provided a real-world application of MYP Design concepts. Inspired by this collaboration, Principal Kristin Meldrum initiated a shoe design contest open to all students in grades 6-8. The contest aimed to deepen students' understanding of personal branding while fostering creativity and innovation.

After a period of creativity and hard work, 6th Grader Ben Ellis emerged as the grand prize winner, earning 1st Place. In April, Jada "From the Block" Henderson returned to ROMS to present Ben with a custom pair of Nike shoes inspired by his winning design. This moment celebrates Ben's creativity and achievement and underscores the power of collaboration and real-world application in education.

Among the talented participants, the top 12 winners of the contest were:

  • 1st Place: 6th Grader Ben Ellis - Awarded Custom Nike shoes inspired by his design
  • 2nd Place: 7th Grader Ainsley Steiner - Awarded DIY Shoe Kit from Jada
  • 3rd Place: 7th Grader Charlotte Yakima - Awarded DIY Shoe Kit from Jada

Other notable entries include:

  • 6th Graders: Tyler Smith, Nora Hussmann, Annaliese Miller
  • 7th Graders: Aviya Hall, Emma Charnesky
  • 8th Graders: Aster Link, Sylvia Heidtman, Michael Vollmer, Daphne West

MYP Coordinator Angela Mallory said, "Each of these students demonstrated remarkable creativity and skill in their designs, contributing to the success and vibrancy of the contest."

The shoe design contest not only provided a platform for artistic expression but also reinforced the importance of personal branding and collaboration in education. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding contributions and for the dedication of the staff that brought this idea to life.

(Upper left) ROMS Art Staff: Michael Quinlan (back), Jessie Kropog (L), Sofia Khaleel (M), Courtney Votta (R)

MORE PTA REFLECTIONS WINNERS

Congratulations to the talented students who have been recognized for their exceptional creativity and artistic expression in this year's PTA Reflections program!

Clara Gunsch from Keller Elementary School has been awarded Outstanding Interpretation in Photography. Clara's captivating imagery truly reflects her unique perspective and artistic vision.

Pinar Yilmaz from Addams Elementary School has received the Award of Excellence in Visual Arts. Pinar's artwork showcases a remarkable level of skill and creativity, captivating viewers with its beauty and depth.

Maya Omowale from Keller Elementary School has been honored with an Honorable Mention in Visual Arts. Maya's artwork demonstrates a strong sense of creativity and expression, leaving a lasting impression on all who view it.

We are incredibly proud of all of our PTA Reflections winners for their dedication, talent, and artistic achievements. Their contributions enrich our school community and inspire us all to explore the world through the lens of creativity.

Staff Success Stories

STAFF COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

EDUCATORS INVITED TO NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Royal Oak High School educators have been invited to present their work on assets-based formative assessment tools at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) National Convention in Boston this November.

The NCTE National Convention brings together educators from across the United States to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Derek Miller and Leah Barnett's participation showcases their expertise and shines a spotlight on the excellence and innovation happening within ROHS.

We congratulate Derek and Leah on this achievement and look forward to their presentation at the convention.

ROHS EXCELS IN BEST HIGH SCHOOLS RANKINGS

Royal Oak High School (ROHS) continues to excel in education, earning high national and metro-area rankings in the 2024 Best High Schools list released by U.S. News on April 23. Achieving a national ranking in the top 40%, ROHS has proudly earned the esteemed title of a U.S. News Best High School. In the state of Michigan, ROHS has secured an impressive ranking of 74th, further solidifying its position as a top-performing institution in the region.

The rankings are based on various factors, including performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and the school's effectiveness in preparing students for college. Additionally, ROHS's U.S. News profile page provides detailed information on enrollment, student demographics, location, and state assessment results, as well as data on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests.

This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts of our entire school community. From our dedicated educators and staff to our motivated students and supportive families, everyone plays a vital role in contributing to ROHS's success. We extend our deepest gratitude to our amazing staff, whose unwavering commitment to excellence has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. Their dedication, passion, and tireless efforts to support and inspire our students are truly commendable.

TEACHER AWARDED RARE FELLOWSHIP

Royal Oak High School social studies teacher John Worrell is embarking on an extraordinary summer journey. Selected from a pool of talented educators across the U.S. and Canada, Worrell has been awarded the Grosvenor teaching fellowship. This rare opportunity will see him aboard the National Geographic Explorer ship in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Worrell said, "I am humbled and honored to have been selected to work with Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society to help continue their commitment to K-12 education. I look forward to bringing the experiences and knowledge I have gained to my students, the school, and the community." 

Worrell's expedition begins on July 29, departing for Iceland and returning on August 11. During his time aboard the National Geographic Explorer, he will circumnavigate Iceland, immersing himself in its natural wonders and cultural history. This experience aligns with his passion for studying natural history, cultural history, and geography.

Following the expedition, Worrell will embark on a two-year fellowship with the National Geographic Society, all while continuing his teaching duties at Royal Oak High School. His goal is to bring his experiences back to the classroom, nurturing the next generation of culturally competent global citizens with a conservation mindset.

"Guiding the next generation to learn and discover the complexities of the natural and cultural world is essential work, and I am honored to continue this commitment to the students in our community.

The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, awarded jointly by Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society, emphasizes the importance of shaping future stewards of the planet. This year's recipients, including Worrell, will participate in expeditions across diverse ecosystems worldwide, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and inspiring environmental stewardship in students for years to come.

Celebrate 50 Years

JOIN US IN CELEBRATION

Oak Ridge Elementary School is proud to announce a momentous occasion: Lois Mann, a beloved Kindergarten teacher, has reached an incredible milestone of 50 years in education! Save the Date for a celebration like no other as we honor her remarkable dedication and impact on generations of students.

Join us on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Oak Ridge Great Room as we come together to celebrate Lois Mann's extraordinary career.

We extend a warm invitation to all former staff, students, and their families to join us in honoring Lois Mann's legacy. Whether you've had the privilege of being in her classroom or have been touched by her influence in any way, this celebration is an opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation.

In addition to commemorating her 50 years of service, Lois Mann will also serve as the ambassador for the Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade later this month!

ROSF Golf Outing

FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating day of golf and fun at Metamora Golf and Country Club! This annual fundraiser hosted by the Royal Oak Schools Foundation promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Join us for a round of 18 holes on a picturesque course, complemented by a welcome breakfast and convenient beverage carts to keep you refreshed throughout the game. But the excitement doesn't stop there!

After the final putt, gather with us in a spacious tent overlooking the stunning landscape of Metamora Golf and Country Club. Here, enjoy a mouthwatering barbecue buffet prepared on-site, featuring delectable Beef Brisket, savory Pulled Pork, and an array of accompaniments. Don't worry, we've got appetizers, salads, and desserts covered too, with a vegetarian/vegan option available for those with dietary preferences.

Whether you're a returning guest or a newcomer, we warmly invite you to join us for a day of golfing excellence, games, raffles, and fun. Use this link for more information or to register.

DEI Tour

MICHIGAN DEPT OF ED TOUR

Members from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) visited our district, including stops at Upton, Oakland, Royal Oak Middle School, and Royal Oak High School.

District DEI Coordinator Ashley Phillips organized the tour, which started out at the administrative offices. MDE guests included Dr. Rané Garcia, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Jennifer Saylor, Assistant Director of the Office of Educational Supports. Their tour guides were Ms. Phillips and Communications Specialist Amy Murphy.

Dr. Garcia, Ashley Phillips, and Jennifer Saylor

The tour's purpose was to showcase and highlight DEI in Royal Oak Schools and deepen the connection initiated through the MDE Black History Month project.

Upton's visit included a presentation from district administration and a visit to Mrs. Van Every's class, as her MDE Black History Month Calendar Project submission was selected and featured in Week 3 of the MDE's Black History Month Calendar this year.

The next stop was Royal Oak High School, which included going through the line for lunch and eating with student members of the diversity club before stopping into a couple of classrooms.

Lunchtime at ROHS; Diversity Club Members: Matthew Matola, Nathaniel Tyler, Chloe Jarrett, Xavier Prokurat, and Brooke Maurer; Classroom visits: Maria Manolias and Brittany Laurent.

At Royal Oak Middle School, the tour watched a video about Neur0diversity with ROMS students as they kicked off Inclusion Week. After the video, we visited Kristina Ellenberger's classroom, followed by a chat with Assistant Principal Dan Colligan regarding scheduling and flex time.

The last stop of the tour was Oakland Elementary. We visited Vikki Kasparek's classroom, along with drop-ins to a couple of others. Principal Jason Taylor showed off Oakland and talked about its rich history and the original part of the school, which is now 100 years old.

Around The District

STUDENT SNAPSHOTS

ECC students from Amber Wilt's classroom safely observed a spider visitor!
Addams Elementary held a contest for a new mural made out of bottle caps. Noah Vermeulen won the drawing contest to determine what the mural would look like.
Keller third-grade students participated in an educational outing to the Detroit Institute of Arts. This experience provided them with valuable opportunities to enrich their understanding of their "How We Express Ourselves" IB unit, fostering their appreciation for creativity and aesthetics.
Northwood first graders enjoyed a science-filled day when they traveled to the Cranbrook Science Center.
Oakland Elementary turned 100 years old in April, and to commemorate the day, the city of Royal Oak planted a Red Maple at Oakland with the help of students, staff, board members, and city officials.
The Oak Ridge Student Senate presented a wax museum and an assembly featuring "Changemakers" from history and today! One student, Sam Danescu, dressed as Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow. She met McMorrow at the Royal Oak St. Patrick's Parade and during a field trip to the Senate. Then a surprise invite... Sam and her family were invited to a coffee gathering with McMorrow and Elizabeth Warren. Senator McMorrow referred to Sam as her "Youth Advocate."
The Upton Garden Club rocked its Earth Day celebration with the City of Royal Oak. To celebrate, the city planted two Armstrong Maples at Upton Elementary School.
ROMS held Inclusion Week, which included a presentation on celebrating neurodiversity with all students and theme days like Wear Orange for Inclusion and Wear a Different Hat to celebrate differences.
Royal Oak High School Anatomy & Physiology classes went to the zoo. They participated in a Learning Lab, Zoo Careers: Animal Behavior. They collected data on the penguins' behaviors, including feeding, grooming, swimming, and more. In addition, students could wander the zoo and see all the animals and their behaviors!
TRAILS students enjoyed learning about making brunch and trying out different cooking skills.
In honor of Earth Day, the Advanced Adult ESL class plants marigolds and vegetable seeds. In this community-building event, they learn a little about plants and about each other through casual conversations.
Insights Into Learning

JUSTICE 101

The Justice 101 Program provides children in elementary schools in Royal Oak with the opportunity to gain knowledge about the court system and experience a tour of the courthouse, including observing open court proceedings.

Throughout the school year, Judge Meinecke engages with elementary school classes to educate them on the various levels and functions of the judiciary, clarify legal terminology, caution against succumbing to peer pressure, and prepare them for their visit to the courthouse the following day.

Judge Meinecke visits a classroom.

The next day, students are also given a guided tour of the courthouse, including a visit to the judge's chambers. They have the chance to witness open court proceedings, with select children invited to sit in the jury box to get an up-close look at some of the court proceedings, which really engages the students.

Following the court session, the judge engages in a discussion with the children to reflect on their observations and emphasize the significance of the experience. Subsequently, the children are escorted to the Royal Oak police department for a tour and discussion.

The Justice 101 program provides a valuable opportunity for our students and helps strengthen their understanding of our court and judicial system and process. Judge Meinecke takes the time to get to know all of our students in 5th grade and engages them in some conversations and learning.

CURRICULUM INSIGHTS SPOTLIGHT

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

Our IB Diploma Programme (DP) offers students at Royal Oak High School an opportunity to take part in a two-year program that allows them to go beyond traditional learning and deepen their understanding. Students engage in six classes as part of our DP program. Classes included are Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Individual and Societies, Mathematics, Science, and the Arts.

Students who take part in our IB Diploma Programme will gain increased confidence, stronger communication and reasoning skills within specific content areas, and the ability to make specific connections between multiple content areas.

We are proud of the work that our teachers have done to provide these IB Diploma Programme opportunities for our students at Royal Oak High School. Our students benefit from the IB Diploma Programme and are progressing greatly!

DEI Work

THE DEEPER DIVE

Greetings from the Deeper Dive!

I hope that everyone had an Amazing April! I am also hoping that, “April showers truly do bring May flowers”, –as it is always amazing to see the growth and renewal that this month offers! Diversity, equity, and inclusion also continues to grow at Royal Oak Schools as we engage in current and innovative initiatives to increase awareness, acceptance, and access.

On Friday, April 12th, the Royal Oak community filled their IFFF Passports with stamps, pictures, and fun facts at Keller Elementary’s International Food and Fun Festival. We were able to enjoy food trucks, artwork, storytelling, music, sensory spaces, dancing, family projects, and much more throughout the very elaborate and engaging evening. I was very excited to host our first DEI Meet & Greet Booth during the event. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth and to all who helped to make this event so spectacular. If you were not able to scan the QR code to participate in our 1-question DEI survey at the Meet & Greet Booth, please click this survey link to offer your feedback.

(R) Ashley Phillips with David Gakure, Education Specialist and Storyteller from the Detroit Zoo

As we closed out April, we were elated to host a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tour featuring guests from the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Office of Educational Supports. The concept of this tour grew from a partnership that advanced during Royal Oak Schools’ participation in the MDE’s Black History Month Calendar Project earlier this year.

Throughout the tour, our guests were able to:

  • Experience an overview of Royal Oak Schools and our commitment to being a community of excellence
  • Learn more about our commitment to progression in advancing DEI
  • Participate in activities planned for ROMS’ Inclusion Week and ROHS’ Umatter Week
  • Visit educators who participated in the MDE Black History Month Calendar Project

We are looking forward to many more partnership opportunities with the MDE and additional DEI stakeholders in the future.

Lastly, we were honored to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Earth Day, and several additional celebrations throughout the month of April. I am looking forward to more awareness, acceptance, and recognition as we acknowledge Asian American Pacific Islander Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Staff Appreciation, and much more during the month of May.

~Ashley Phillips, DEI Coordinator

Mental Health

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is defined as a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.

According to mentalhealth.gov, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”

It seems the importance of mental health, not just physical health, is being talked about more and more and the month of May has been dedicated to continuing these conversations. This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”

According to Mental Health America, “In a world that is constantly evolving, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various challenges and changes happening around us. The pressures of work, relationships, and societal factors, like politics, climate change, and the economy, can significantly impact our mental well-being, sometimes even more than we realize.” We urge you to take moments during this busy time of year to prioritize mental wellness and consider how the ever changing world around us affects our mental health.

Some ways to maintain positive mental health is by connecting with others, helping others, and getting help from others when needed. Within our schools, there are many opportunities for each of these such as:

  • peer mentoring
  • social emotional lessons
  • restorative practices
  • emotional support animals
  • extracurricular clubs and activities
  • positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)

In addition, each of our schools are filled with trusted adults such as teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, and school psychologists that care about the well being of your children and are available to support the students and families of Royal Oak.

During the month of May, we encourage all of our students, families, and staff to show support for mental health by wearing the color green on Wednesday May 1st and on every Monday throughout the month. Green is the official color for mental health awareness as green represents renewal, hope, and vitality. To be seen in green, whether a complete outfit or just a touch of green, sends a message of advocacy and support for the importance of mental health.

As we begin this month of May, we are looking forward to partnering with you to prioritize mental wellness. Here are five ways you can start this week! (and feel free to continue every week).

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Dates for May

DATES FOR MAY

May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

May is National Foster Care Month

May is National Pet Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month

May 1 - School Principals Day

May 1, 8, 15 - Late Starts

May 1 - 7 National Physical Education Week

May 3 - School Lunch Hero Day

May 6 - 10 - National Staff Appreciation Week

May 7 - National Teacher Day

May 8 - National Bike to School Day

May 9 - Board of Education Regular Meeting 6:30 PM

May 10 - School Communicators Day

May 18 - National Speech Pathologist Day

May 24-27 - No School

May 29 - Memorial Day

2024-25 School Calendar

Use this link to review the calendar, which is located on our website under District/Calendars.

JOB OPENINGS AT ROYAL OAK SCHOOLS

JOB OPENINGS

We would love to invite you to join our team. You can use this link to apply for most jobs with Royal Oak Schools: https://bit.ly/3rO26d1workforros.

Food service workers and cashiers: Chartwells Food Service hires substitute food service workers. The cashier position is from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and pays $14/hr. The cook position is at the elementary schools from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and pays $16.15/hr. After training, you would be "as needed" fill-in for sick calls, working on average 1-2 days per week. It could also become regular part-time when openings exist. Includes free lunch.

Substitute teachers: EDUStaff is our partner for substitute teachers. Please apply through their website at: edustaff.org.

Paraprofessionals: A paraprofessional works with a team of teachers to help qualified students be successful at school. These patient and caring individuals may implement academic, physical, behavioral, and self-care supports that empower students to engage with their education as independently as possible. All applicants should apply through the Oakland Schools Human Resources Consortium website at: bit.ly/3rO26d1workforros.

Individuals interested in working with and caring for school-age children before and after school for our Young Oaks (Latchkey) Program should contact the Addams Early Childhood Center at (248) 288-3220.

Bus Drivers: Durham School Services is hiring for our transportation department. A minimum of 20 hours is guaranteed, with options for more. Contact James Hollis at Durham to apply: jholls@durhamschoolservices.com.

Instructional and administrative positions: Check the Oakland Schools Consortium portal at bit.ly/3rO26d1workforros. Employment opportunities with Royal Oak Schools are on our website under Employment/HR. If you have any more questions, please contact Beth Caverly at the District Offices: elizabeth.caverly@royaloakschools.org or (248) 435-8400 x1210.

COMMENTS? STORY IDEAS?

Send them to: communications@royaloakschools.org

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