MARCH 2025
In This Issue
- From The Superintendent
- March Is Reading Month
- Youth Art On Display
- Nutritious School Meals
- School Social Workers
- Curriculum Insights
- The Deeper Dive
- Around The District
- Make Us Your Schools Of Choice
- New Employees
- Student Contest: Why Compost?
- Childsafe Gun Locks
- Did You See It On Social?
- March Calendar
- Job Postings In The District
THE POWER OF READING TOGETHER
Dear Royal Oak Schools Families,
March is Reading Month, a great time to explore the benefits of reading together. We often think of reading aloud to young children, but the reality is children can benefit at every age.
- Language Development: When you read aloud to children, they are exposed to new words and sentence structures they may not read themselves. This helps them build vocabulary, understand grammar, and improve their ability to express themselves.
- Listening Skills: Listening to stories helps develop and strengthen their ability to pay attention. Stopping and discussing details or asking simple questions will check for understanding.
- Emotional Development: Books often deal with a range of emotions and situations, allowing children to learn empathy and understand different perspectives.
- Bonding: Reading together is a special activity that fosters bonding between parents, caregivers, and children. It creates a sense of security and trust, which can be important for emotional development.
- Imagination and Creativity: Listening to stories stimulates children's imagination and creativity. It allows them to visualize characters, settings, and situations.
- Cultural Awareness: Through diverse stories, children are exposed to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, helping to build awareness and tolerance for others.
For more information about the benefits of reading, visit the all for kids website.
- Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Superintendent Royal Oak Schools
CELEBRATING LITERACY AND LEARNING
Royal Oak Schools is excited to announce the 2025 "Reading Rocks" tour in celebration of "March is Reading Month." Building upon the success of last year’s event, organized by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Ashley Phillips, this year’s "Reading Rocks" tour aims to be even more impactful. Last year, 15 guest readers from the Royal Oak Schools Administrative Offices and School Board visited classrooms across the district, and this year’s tour will expand both the number of guest readers and the duration of the event.
Inviting guest readers into classrooms exposes students to diverse voices and stories, enhancing their learning experience and emphasizing the joy of reading. The "Reading Rocks" tour is an initiative designed to promote literacy and foster a love of reading among students. Happy reading!
STUDENT ART
March is nationally recognized as Youth Art Month, a time dedicated to emphasizing the value of art education and celebrating the artistic achievements of young individuals. This annual observance highlights the importance of visual arts in fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and cultural awareness among youth.
At Royal Oak Schools, we have many young artists to be proud of. Three Royal Oak High School students have been selected to showcase their ceramic artwork at the Annual National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition in Salt Lake City, Utah, from March 26-28, 2025. Their work will be on display alongside some of the finest student ceramic pieces in the country and will be seen by thousands of visitors attending the National Conference on Education in the Ceramic Arts (NCECA).
This year’s exhibition was highly competitive, with 1,032 entries submitted and only 150 pieces chosen by the juror for inclusion. The three selected ROHS student works will be featured in the official exhibition catalog, poster, and website. Each student will receive a commemorative poster, and Royal Oak High School will receive a copy of the exhibition catalog upon the artwork's return.
Congratulations to our talented Ravens for this incredible achievement!
From painting and weaving to sculpture and photography, our elementary students studying art with Maria Elliott are embracing new artistic challenges and developing their creative skills. Adaptive artists create 3D paper sculptures, while kindergarteners assemble colorful flower collages. First graders are experimenting with brush techniques and color, and second graders are weaving with recycled materials. Third-grade students finish self-portraits using black glue and chalk before focusing on geometric and organic shapes. Fourth graders learn about photography by creating and capturing paper sculptures, while fifth graders develop contour pop self-portraits using their school photos and a mix of watercolor and texture techniques.
For more information on Youth Art Month and how to get involved, visit the Council for Art Education.
A FRESH TAKE ON MEALS
Royal Oak Schools strives to provide students with healthy, balanced, and delicious meals that meet or exceed USDA nutritional standards. Students at every level can enjoy nutritious and appealing meals with a wide variety of options available. Breakfast is served every day at all schools, ensuring students start their day with a nutritious meal.
Elementary students can select from two entrée options daily, featuring proteins like chicken, beef, beans, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables. More than half of the menu options each month include a vegetarian choice. Two of the most popular meals among students are chicken nuggets and breakfast for lunch.
At the middle and high school levels, students have even more choices. Royal Oak Middle School offers five stations, while Royal Oak High School offers six, featuring a variety of proteins, including beef, chicken, cheese, beans, tofu, and plant-based alternatives such as Impossible Burgers and plant-based chicken nuggets. Fresh grilled chicken breast sandwiches are served at ROHS on Tuesdays, and freshly grilled burgers are available at ROHS on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, as well as at ROMS on Tuesdays and Fridays. You can't beat the homemade pancakes and delicious bacon served on late-start Wednesdays at ROMS and ROHS.
Nutrition Matters
All school meals are analyzed using Nutrislice, a proprietary nutritional software that ensures they meet or exceed USDA guidelines. Meals include all required components: protein, starch, fruit, vegetable, and dairy options. Additionally, all grains used—whether in buns, bread, bagels, or pizza crust—are whole grain-rich, and low-fat milk options are available. ROMS and ROHS provide additional choices like bottled beverages, whole grain cookies, and low-fat chips, all meeting Smart Snack guidelines.
With fresh, high-quality ingredients and a focus on variety and nutrition, we ensure every student can access healthy and satisfying meals. Menus are posted online, making it easy for families to see what’s available.
ENHANCING STUDENT SUCCESS
Royal Oak Schools is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, safe, and student-centered environment. Central to this commitment is the role of our school social workers, who provide essential support to our students' social and emotional well-being.
At Royal Oak High School, the Student Service Center (SSC) is a hub for student support, comprising counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and a career and testing coordinator. The SSC offers assistance in areas such as academic planning, conflict resolution, and mental health support. Our school social workers, including Ben Weiss (General Education) and Emily Wade (Special Education), are integral members of this team, providing social and emotional support to students.
Recognizing the importance of mental health, Royal Oak Schools has established a dedicated wellness and emotional support webpage. This resource offers information and assistance for students and families seeking support, emphasizing that they can always contact school social workers or counselors for further information and resources.
Through the dedication of our school social workers, Royal Oak Schools remains committed to fostering a learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered. We are helping students navigate challenges and reach their full potential by providing accessible resources, personalized guidance, and a focus on emotional well-being. Thank you to all of our school social workers at the high schools, Royal Oak Middle School, and each of our elementary schools. We encourage students and families to utilize the resources available, connect with our support staff, and know that they are never alone in their journey.
PREPPING STUDENTS FOR A SECURE FUTURE
Royal Oak Schools is committed to preparing students for financial success by creating new curriculum in alignment with Michigan’s revised school code (Section 380.1278a), where all students must complete a 0.5 credit personal finance course before 8th grade. We’ve integrated these essential concepts into our economics curriculum, which is already a required course at Royal Oak High School.
Personal Finance Topics Covered:
- Earning Income: Career earnings, benefits, education costs, and taxes.
- Buying Goods & Services: Consumer decision-making and government regulations.
- Budgeting & Saving: Incentives to save, interest rates, and inflation.
- Using Credit: Costs and benefits of credit, student loans, and financial aid.
- Investing: Risks, returns, tax benefits, and diversification.
- Protecting & Insuring: Managing financial risks through insurance and savings.
- Paying Taxes: Understanding tax types, deductions, and take-home pay.
By embedding these topics into our curriculum, we ensure students develop essential financial skills for the future. For more details, visit our district website or contact Royal Oak High School.
Insight Into Learning: Justice 101
This month’s "Insight Into Learning" video highlights Justice 101, a program giving Royal Oak Schools 5th graders a firsthand look at our justice system.
Led by Judge Derek Meinecke, students learn about the court system in the classroom before visiting the courthouse. There, they tour the facility, step inside the courtroom, and observe legal proceedings in action.
We’re grateful to Judge Meinecke for his leadership in providing this unique, real-world learning experience. Watch this month’s video to see Justice 101 in action!
MARCHING INTO MARCH EVENTS
It is hard to believe that March is already here! With spring right around the corner, I am excited to see the transition into warmer weather, and ample opportunities to enjoy all of the upcoming spring events and activities.
Last year in February and March, you may remember seeing lessons, projects, and discussions highlighting many of Royal Oak Schools teachers’ lessons that were featured in the 2024 Michigan Department of Education’s Black History Month calendar. This year, the MDE featured recommendations from its Student Advisory Council. Please click this link to view Michigan students sharing Book Talks, featuring Black authors and poets. This is a great resource to begin family discussions and incorporate recommendations of books that can be read together.
We closed February with many families joining us in our collaboration with Oakland Schools for the 2025 African American Read-In event. This year’s event was a huge success and we extend our gratitude to all families in attendance. During the read-in we were able to virtually meet award-winning author, Jacqueline Woodson. Woodson shared information from her books “The Year We Learned to Fly”, “The Day You Begin”, “Before the Ever After”, and “Brown Girl Dreaming.” She also talked to the audience about her writing process, childhood challenges and triumphs, and the inspiration behind her books. Towards the end, Woodson answered questions from students and families about how to become authors themselves. We are always excited to partner with Oakland Schools for this initiative, and look forward to the 2026 African American Read-In.
Lastly, we are excited to incorporate many of March’s Heritage and Recognition Month celebrations into our 2025 Reading Rocks Tour. Reading is such a great way to learn more about ourselves, others, and the entire world around us. My family has always appreciated the value of the opportunity that books provide to not only grow our hearts and imaginations, but to also transport us into worlds of wonder and discovery. During National Reading Month, as mentioned, our Royal Oak Schools board members and board office staff will visit all of the schools in our district to invite our students on this same discovery journey.
Here are some resources to celebrate reading as a family:
~Ashley Phillips, DEI Coordinator
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Bugtastic Research at Oakland Elementary
Second-grade students at Oakland Elementary recently transformed into young entomologists, diving into the fascinating world of insects for their Bugtastic Research project. With curiosity and enthusiasm, these students explored various bugs, learning about their habitats, life cycles, and unique adaptations. The students proudly presented their findings, showcasing their knowledge through creative displays, detailed reports, and engaging presentations. This hands-on learning experience deepened their understanding of the insect world and helped develop essential research and communication skills.
Building Community At Keller Through Flexible Thinking
Students across all grade levels recently came together for their monthly Husky Pack meeting, focusing on flexible thinking. Each month, Husky Packs foster a sense of belonging by encouraging students to engage in meaningful discussions, support one another, and develop important life skills. These meetings occur on Wednesdays when late starts are not scheduled, ensuring a consistent space for reflection and growth. The gatherings provide a valuable opportunity for students to collaborate with their Husky Pack teachers, strengthen connections, and enhance the Keller school community.
The subject in this meeting was Rock-Brain vs. Flexible Thinking. They also took part in an art challenge where they took a simple line or shape and turned it into a picture.
5th Graders Explore Music at the Instrument Petting Zoo
On February 10th, 11th, and 12th fifth grade students across our district were able to participate in a Performing Arts Assembly called "The Instrument Petting Zoo." This assembly is the first step in our District's Jump Start Music Program and has been generously funded by the Royal Oak Schools Foundation for over 15 years!
During the assembly, representatives from McCourt's Music Group and members of the Royal Oak Music Department staff introduced the fifth grade students to the various musical instruments offered in our Middle School beginning band and orchestra classes. After learning about each instrument, students then had the opportunity to play each of them!
It was truly a once in a lifetime experience! As you can see from the smiles throughout the video, not only were students inspired to take up an instrument during their Middle School careers, but some absolutely amazing memories were made along the way! -- written by Mary Johnson
ROMS UMatter Week Honored with Excellence Award
We are excited to share that UMatter Week at Royal Oak Middle Schools has been recognized with a 2025 Education Excellence Award, one of only 10 programs honored statewide by the SET SEG Foundation and Michigan Association of School Boards. This award includes a $2,500 grant, a roadside sign, and a commemorative trophy.
UMatter Week focuses on student mental health and well-being, with daily themes like self-care, empathy, mindfulness, and gratitude. Through workshops and assemblies, students engage in meaningful discussions, supported by mental health professionals, community organizations, and parents.
Principal Kristin Meldrum shared her excitement:
"Our team works so hard on making sure our students know how important they are. This money will be going to make sure UMatter week is even better next year! We are so grateful to SetSeg for this award and I am so proud of our team for bringing UMatter week to ROMS!"
Congratulations to the students and staff who make this event a success!
ROHS Students Recognized for Academic Achievements
Royal Oak High School is proud to celebrate the achievements of two outstanding students, Kevin Krishti and Sarah Milligan, for their exceptional academic excellence and leadership.
Kevin Krishti, originally named a National Merit Semifinalist, has now advanced to National Merit Finalist status, a prestigious recognition awarded to a select group of students nationwide for their academic performance, PSAT scores, and commitment to excellence.
Additionally, Sarah Milligan has been named an NHS Scholarship National Semifinalist, earning a $3,200 scholarship from the National Honor Society (NHS). This award highlights her dedication to scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Congratulations to Kevin and Sarah for their hard work and accomplishments! We are so proud of their success and look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future.
APPLICATION WINDOW FOR SCHOOLS OF CHOICE
Royal Oak Schools is pleased to announce that the Schools of Choice application window for the 2025-2026 academic year will be open from March 10 to April 8, 2025. This program offers a limited number of seats in Kindergarten through 8th grade, welcoming students from across Oakland County to join our vibrant educational community.
Why Choose Royal Oak Schools?
- Our district is committed to providing a high-quality, inclusive, and student-first learning environment. By enrolling your child in Royal Oak Schools, they will benefit from:
- Innovative and Engaging Curriculum: We offer dynamic educational programs designed to foster curiosity and a love for learning.
- Safe and Supportive Learning Environment: Our schools prioritize student well-being, ensuring a secure atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Dedicated Educators: Our passionate teachers are committed to inspiring and guiding each student toward their full potential.
- Diverse Extracurricular Activities: A wide range of programs and clubs are available to enrich your child's educational experience beyond the classroom.
Application Details:
- Application Period: March 10 - April 8, 2025 - return to RoyalOakSchools.org for a live google form link to apply.
- Deadline: April 8, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
- Please visit our Schools of Choice webpage during the application window to apply.
WELCOMING NEW EMPLOYEES THIS SEASON
As spring brings renewal and growth, Royal Oak Schools is excited to welcome a new group of dedicated professionals to our team! Just as the season symbolizes fresh beginnings, these new employees bring new ideas, energy, and expertise to our classrooms and school communities.
Let's meet some of them:
Rikayla Seatts is a new paraprofessional at Northwood. She loves to bake and graduated from Culinary Arts School in 2021 in baking & pastry arts before entering into Education.
Kevin Hall joined ROMS as a paraprofessional. He says that he lives by this motto: "Always give 100%, except when donating blood. 5-8% is very generous."
Rachel Kamischke has been teaching for 13 years and recently joined ROHS as a math teacher. Rachel loves being out in nature and looks forward to celebrating Pi Day with her students.
Stacy Fisher is a new science teacher at ROHS. She loves to make real Michigan maple syrup right here in Oakland County and teach public programs the science behind it.
"WHY COMPOST" CONTEST
Royal Oak Schools reminds students to participate in the "Why Compost?" contest, an opportunity to explore the benefits of composting through essays or visual art.
A grand prize winner will receive a composting bucket and have a tree planted in their honor from the City of Royal Oak on Earth Day, April 22, 2025.
Don’t miss your chance to participate in the "Why Compost?" contest! Submit a 500-word essay or a 12x18 poster showcasing the importance of composting.
- Deadline: March 7, 2025
- Email essays & digital poster images to communications@royaloakschools.org
- Drop off physical posters at the district office (800 DeVillen, Royal Oak)
FREE GUN LOCKS AVAILABLE
Royal Oak Schools is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and community. As part of this effort, we are partnering with Michigan State Police to distribute free gun locks to families and staff members.
According to BeSMARTforKids.org:
- Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens.
- Nearly 360 children under 18 unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else each year.
- More than 700 children in the U.S. die by gun suicide annually, with secure storage playing a crucial role in prevention.
- Three out of four school shooters obtained their firearm from a parent or relative’s home.
By securely storing firearms, we can help prevent tragedies and create a safer environment for our children. Families and staff members can pick up a free Project ChildSafe gun lock at the main office of your child's school or the district offices. We encourage all families to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance safety at home.
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DATES FOR MARCH
March 2 -8: Read Across America Week
March 2-8 School Social Worker Week
March 3-7: School Breakfast Week
March 4 - All City Band Concert
March 5, 12, 19, 26 - Late Start for Students
March 5 - All City Orchestra Festival
March 7: School Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day
March 7: Soup With The Super
March 10 - Registration for Summer Sports Camp opens
March 10 - Schools of Choice Applications Accepted
March 13 - Board of Education Meeting
March 14 - Pi Day
March 15 - Royal Oak St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 16 - 4th Annual Mattress Fundraiser
March 21 - World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
March 21 - 23 - The Wizard of Oz at Royal Oak Middle School
March 22 - Royal Oak Schools Art Show
March 31 - Spring Break Starts
📅 Use this link to review the calendar on our website under District/Calendars.
🎶 For more event details, click here to go to our District-Wide Performing Arts Calendar!
SAVE THE DATE
Royal Oak Middle School Drama Club Presents: THE WIZARD OF OZ! Join Dorothy, Toto, and a cast of unforgettable characters as they journey through the magical land of Oz! Experience the thrill of the twister, the charm of the Munchkins, the perils of the Wicked Witch, and the heartwarming search for home in this beloved classic brought to life by our talented student performers.
Audiences can look forward to dazzling sets, hilarious hijinks, and a lot of heart as the students take the stage in this magical production. The performances will take place on March 21 at 6:30 PM, March 22 at 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM, and March 23 at 2:30 PM. All shows will be held at Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Avenue.
Online ticket information will be available soon, so stay tuned for details on how to secure your seat for this unforgettable adventure.
JOB OPENINGS
We would love to have you join our team. To apply for most jobs with Royal Oak Schools, visit https://bit.ly/3rO26d1workforros.
Check out our Human Resources webpage using this link to learn more about working with us.
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 - we need you! 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 its transportation department. A minimum of 20 hours is guaranteed, with options for more. To apply, contact Cheri Henrion at Durham at Chenrion@durhamschoolsservices.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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Copyright 2025
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