THE DISTRICT DISPATCH Royal Oak Schools news, straight to your inbox

NOVEMBER 2024

In This Issue

• Message From Our Superintendent
• New Employees
• Special Education Staff
• Information For Families In Transition
• Future Fair
• MSU Admissions Visit
• Educators Speak At Conference
• English Language Development Night
• Around The District
• Curriculum Insights
• The Deeper Dive
• Get Your Tickets For Mamma Mia!
• Ruck 22 March
• MiLEAP Survey
• All City Vocal Concert
• Did You See It On Social?
• November Calendar
• Job Postings In The District

ENSURING SAFETY AND SUPPORT

Dear Royal Oak Schools Families,

With the election just a few days away, we need to be mindful of the impact of large-scale public events and the potential responses that will be present in the media. This resource from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), Supporting Students in Politically Charged Times: Tips for Families and Educators, is a good reference for families and has also been shared with staff.

We recently communicated with you regarding swatting calls, a hoax emergency call intended to trigger a significant police response, which some local districts have experienced. In Royal Oak Schools, we take all threats seriously, and our top priority is the safety of our students and staff. During threatening situations, we work closely with the Royal Oak Police Department leadership. I want to take time now to thank them for their ongoing support.

Additionally, you may have received school-level communications when we have shared threatening comments or social media posts. We have also had students joke about very serious topics. Regardless of the intent, we take all threats, comments, and posts very seriously and investigate each one reported to us.

Our protocol for investigating these incidents is thoroughly conducted via a process. Various staff members may simultaneously perform these and other components of our protocols.

• Any staff member receiving information regarding a threatening situation must immediately notify the building administrator(s) and first responders (when necessary) of potential threats.
• The School Liaison Officer is specifically contacted, in addition to ROPD/911.
• Parents of all students involved are notified. Student discipline information is confidential and only shared with their parents/guardians.
• School and/or district families are notified of the issue when appropriate.
• If, at any time, we believe it is unsafe for students and staff to be in the school, depending on the timing of the situation, events may be canceled, and attendees, if on-site, will be evacuated.
• If students are away from school, decisions may be made to alter the next regular schedule.
• All potentially dangerous situations follow our Emergency Operations Procedures, which include calling the police.

During the threat assessment process and interviews, our practice is to keep the student(s) involved out of school in collaboration with their parents/guardians. Interviews are often conducted at the Board of Education Offices to provide a more confidential and secure environment.

We encourage students and parents/guardians to report something they witness or make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Confidential calls can be made to OK2Say, a program designed to report issues to the Michigan State Police, who contacts school and district officials. They can be reached by calling 855-565-2729 (8-555-OK2SAY) or by texting details to 652729 (OK2SAY), or emailing them at OK2SAY@mi.gov

Working together, we can keep our students safe and continue to support a safe and welcoming environment for all.

- Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Superintendent Royal Oak Schools

NEW EMPLOYEES AT ROS

Over the past month, Royal Oak Schools (ROS) has been excited to welcome several new educators, administrators, and support staff to our district. These new team members bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a shared dedication to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for our students.

• Amy Bleich - Paraprofessional, Addams Elementary
• Catherine Brueckman - Secretary, Royal Oak High School
• Ana Del Bosque - Paraprofessional, Oakland Elementary
• Meagan Donovan - Clerk, Royal Oak High School
• Rami Findakly - Speech Pathologist, Addams Elementary
• Phillip Hay - Special Education Secretary, Administrative Offices
• Susan Hunt - Paraprofessional, Keller Elementary
• Stella Johnstone - Art Teacher, Royal Oak High School
• Julia Kennedy - Special Education Supervisor, Administrative Offices
• Karen Kitterman - Paraprofessional, Keller Elementary
• Jean Kuhl - Paraprofessional, TRAILS
• Kristin MacPhee - Paraprofessional, Oak Ridge Elementary
• Marisol Martinez-Buenrostro - Spanish Teacher, Elementary
• Matthew Simmons - English Language Arts Teacher, Royal Oak Middle School
• Andrew Williams - Paraprofessional, TRAILS

SPECIAL EDUCATION WELCOMES NEW FACES

Royal Oak Schools is pleased to welcome two dedicated professionals to our Special Education Department: Julia Kennedy and Phillip Hay. Julia and Phillip bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and commitment to our district.

Julia Kennedy joins us as the new Special Education Supervisor for Elementary, bringing a student-centered approach and extensive experience in specialized education. In her new role, Julia will work closely with Rob Dietiker, who is now stepping into the role of Secondary Supervisor, to ensure comprehensive support across all grade levels. Julia’s primary focus will be on tailoring special education programs to meet the unique needs of elementary students, ensuring they have the resources, support, and care needed to thrive both academically and personally.

Joining Julia in the department is Phillip Hay, who takes on the role of Special Education Department Secretary. Phillip’s organizational skills and student-first mindset make him an invaluable asset to the team. In his role, Phillip supports the daily operations of the Special Education Department, ensuring that students, families, and staff receive timely assistance and that all processes run smoothly. He is passionate about creating a welcoming, efficient environment and is already making a positive impact by facilitating clear communication and supporting the work of the department.

Their shared commitment to supporting students with empathy and care is already making a difference within the district, and we are excited to see the ongoing impact of their work.

SCHOOL FOR FAMILIES IN TRANSITION

Royal Oak Schools follows the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which guarantees immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless students. This federal program ensures that homeless children, unaccompanied youth, and youth in transition have the same access to education, including preschool, as other students.

A student may be considered eligible for services if he/she is presently living:

• In a shelter, or transitional living program.
• In a hotel/motel, campground, or similar situation due to lack of alternative, adequate housing.
• In a bus/train station, park, car, or abandoned building.
• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship.

You may be eligible for support if your family is experiencing housing instability, such as staying in a shelter, temporary housing, or with others due to hardship. For details, contact Margaret Martin at 248.435.8400 x1232 or visit Royal Oak Schools McKinney-Vento page.

TEACHING DIVERSE HISTORIES

Elementary: African American History in 5th Grade

With support from the 99d MDE grant, Royal Oak Schools is excited to deepen our students’ understanding of African American history through immersive field trips, book studies, and community connections. Part of the goal and purpose of the 99d MDE grant is to support teachers in introducing this significant part of our history to our elementary students.

Highlights of the student learning experiences below show how they will continue to engage with and become more familiar with some of our essential and diverse histories in American history.

• Field Trips: 5th-grade students in our elementary schools will visit the Charles Wright Museum of African American History and the Royal Oak Historical Museum, scheduled for November and December.
• Book Studies: Students will engage with four selected books related to African American history. These books will be incorporated into the 5th-grade curriculum and learning.
• Community Connections: Students will explore the history of Royal Oak's founding families. These experiences and explorations will help students better understand our Royal Oak founding families and their impact on our community.

Professional Development:

• Museum Visits: Teachers will visit and learn from three local museums: the Charles Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Royal Oak Historical Museum.
• Book Studies: Teachers will discuss "An African American" and "Latinx History of the U.S. and How the World is Passed."

Secondary: The Detroit Lab Story

Students in grades 6-12 will also benefit from this MDE grant, as we will partner with the University of Michigan’s Detroit Labs story. The Detroit Lab Story will deliver professional development for our ROMS and ROHS history teachers on African American local history.

This learning opportunity for our secondary social studies teachers also includes two days of learning and curriculum development that will help them better understand the historical impact in Royal Oak. This fall, teachers were also able to tour the Detroit River on a schooner.

Insight Into Learning: Students On The Board Of Ed

Our most recent Insight into Learning video focuses on student leadership in our district. We are so very fortunate to have student leaders at Royal Oak High School on our school board. These ROHS students get an opportunity to learn more about school board governance and how they can impact our schools as members of our community.

Watch the video below.

THE LATEST IN DEI

Greetings from the Deeper Dive!

During the last 4 weeks, the breathtaking fall foliage has reminded me of the beauty that is held in times of transition and change. Change can present challenges at times (I’ll reference the raking of continually falling leaves in this instance), but the process in between can definitely prove to be both enlightening and transformative. In the last month, diversity, equity, and inclusion work in ROS has brought about much enlightenment and transformation! I have attended 2 trainings in the past week that have asked participants to reflect on the following statement: “Answer the question, I used to think... Now I think…”. Engaging in this reflection process has reinforced to me the power of education and transformation.

Mid-October, a group of our Royal Oak Schools staff members joined fellow educators in Oakland County to participate in the Oakland County Restorative Practices Collaborative Training. This training was facilitated by Oakland Schools’ Safety and Well-Being Consultant, Dr. Julie McDaniel-Muldoon, and it emphasized the impact of Listening Circles, Community Circles, Trauma-Informed Restorative Practices, and much more. The work completed by all of the districts in attendance was transformational, and will help to support the positive well-being of our school community. Learn more about Restorative Practices here.

Towards the end of the month, our district engaged in the Implicit Bias II: Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions Late Start Professional Development. During this session, attendees reviewed the concept of implicit bias, learned more about microaggressions, and practiced addressing and responding to microaggressions. This was a very enlightening and empowering session, and it will help us to continue to provide and maintain safe and inclusive learning environments.

I am very excited to see our district continue to GROW in the right direction. Our community of excellence exemplified. Way to go(grow), Royal Oak Schools!

~Ashley Phillips, DEI Coordinator

ROHS PRESENTS MAMMA MIA!

Royal Oak High School presents the production of Mamma Mia! Mark your calendars so you don't miss the upcoming performances November 15 through November 17.

• A free student preview will be on Thursday, November 14, at 6:30 PM
• Friday & Saturday shows start at 6:30 PM
• Sunday Matinee begins at 2:00 PM

Tickets can be purchased on the Royal Oak Drama Club website. Please get your tickets early and support our talented students!

JOIN THE RUCK 22 MARCH

We invite you to join the Royal Oak Veterans Events Committee for the annual Ruck 22 March on Saturday, November 9th at 10 a.m. at Centennial Commons (corner of Third and Troy Streets, downtown Royal Oak). This powerful event honors our veterans and supports those in need.

How You Can Help: Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or personal items to donate to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 food pantry. This pantry provides vital support to local veterans. If you'd prefer to make a financial contribution, monetary donations will go to the John Dingell VA Medical Center to support mental health programs for local veterans.

A Special Update for 2024: In the past, a $22 registration fee was required for this 2.2-mile walk/march. To encourage greater participation this year, the registration fee has been waived. This is a great opportunity to get involved and support veterans in our community.

What is a Ruck March? A ruck march involves walking at a fast pace while carrying a weighted backpack, or “ruck.” In the military, this load typically weighs at least 45 pounds. For this event, participants are encouraged to walk the 2.2-mile course carrying 22 pounds or bringing 22 food or personal items to donate—symbolizing the weight veterans often bear.

Why 22? Every day, an average of 22 U.S. veterans take their own lives. The number 22 represents solidarity with veterans in crisis and helps raise awareness of the struggles they face after their service.

How to Get Involved: To register or learn more about the event, please visit www.romi.gov/ruck22.

HELP SHAPE MICHIGAN'S LITERACY FUTURE

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is working on a campaign to support parents and guardians of children ages 0-10 in learning about literacy practices and encouraging more participation in literacy activities. Right now, MiLEAP needs your input to help them understand what’s happening across the state. Please take a moment to complete their survey and share your thoughts—it’s a valuable opportunity to shape literacy resources for families across Michigan. The survey should take 5-7 minutes, and after completing the survey, you can enter a drawing for a $25 Meijer or Amazon gift card.

Take the Parent/Guardian Baseline Survey here: Survey Toolkit Link

ALL CITY VOCAL FESTIVAL RETURNS

You're invited to Royal Oak Schools All City Vocal Festival on Monday, November 25th, at 7:00 pm in the Royal Oak High School gymnasium. This annual event celebrates the talent and hard work of vocalists from every corner of our district, coming together for an unforgettable evening of music.

This special concert brings together vocal music groups from across Royal Oak Schools, providing our young singers a unique opportunity to perform for and with their peers. The event is particularly inspiring for our elementary students, who get to see the pathway to more advanced ensembles in middle and high school, helping them envision their own musical growth.

The evening’s performances will be led by our exceptional music educators:

• Mrs. Williams directing the Royal Oak High School Choirs
• Mr. Pavlovich directing the Royal Oak Middle School Choirs
• The combined 5th-grade choir, led by:
• Ms. Dabrowski (Oak Ridge),
• Mr. Durand (Northwood & Oakland),
• Mrs. Johnson (Keller), and
• Mr. Watson (Addams & Upton)

As a grand finale, all participating choirs—elementary, middle, and high school—will unite for a special combined performance!

Calling all 5th graders! Please join us for this wonderful event. Students participating need to arrive by 6:30 PM at the ROHS gymnasium. If your child is interested in participating in this amazing experience, please complete the RSVP form below by Friday, November 15th.

DID YOU SEE IT ON SOCIAL?

Follow us on:

• Instagram @roschools
• Facebook @RoyalOakSchools
• LinkedIn @Royal-Oak
• X @RoyalOakSchools
• YouTube Royal Oak Schools

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Enhance your communication and stay up-to-date by downloading our custom mobile app onto your mobile device. Opting in to receive push notifications ensures you'll be promptly informed about the most recent news and updates from the district and your child's school.

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DATES FOR NOVEMBER

November is Military Family Appreciation Month

November is American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month

November is National Homeless Youth Awarenss Month

November 3 - Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 5- No School - Election Day

November 7 - Green Teams Meeting

November 8 - National STEM Day

November 11 - Veterans Day

November 11-15 - National School Psychology Week

November 13 - Late Start

November 13 - World Kindness Day

November 14 - Half Day for Elementary Only

November 14 - ROMS Blood Drive 7:30 AM - 12 PM

November 14 - Board of Education Meeting

November -14 - National Community Education Day

November 17 - International Students Day

November 17-23 - American Education Week

November 19 - ROPAC Meeting

November 20 - Late Start

November 22 - Substitute Educators Day

November 25 - All City Vocal Festival

November 27 - 29 - No School/Thanksgiving Break

November 28 - Thanksgiving

November 30 - Small Business Saturday

📅 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!

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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