SEPTEMBER 2025
In This Issue
- From The Superintendent
- Curriculum Insights: Launch Into Learning
- Curriculum Nights
- Partnering With Champions
- Share Your Voice
- New In The District
- ParentSquare Announcement
- The Deeper Dive
- Fun At Welcome Back Night
- Social Media
- September Calendar
- Job Postings In The District
WELCOME BACK
From Dr. John Tafelski, Superintendent of Royal Oak Schools
As we begin the 2025–26 school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to both our new and returning families. We are excited to have your children as part of our school community and look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and connection.
Over the summer, we welcomed new staff members who have already started making a positive impact in our classrooms and schools. Our district’s work continues to be guided by the Continuing Excellence Strategic Plan, which focuses on four key goals: Curriculum and Instruction, Community Connections, Physical and Financial Resources, and Human Resources. These goals keep us centered on what matters most—providing your children with the best possible educational experience in a safe, inclusive, and student-first environment.
This commitment was already on display at our Family Welcome Back Night, where families connected with staff and community partners in a fun, meaningful way.
Earlier this month, our staff engaged in professional development sessions, many of which were led by our own educators, sharing their expertise to strengthen teaching and learning.
Our teams also worked hard over the summer on several facility improvements, ensuring our schools are ready for the year ahead. Every project reflects careful planning and responsible budgeting so that we can continue to optimize resources for our students.
I also look forward to chances to speak directly with the community. This fall, I am hosting several meet-and-greets where families, staff, and residents can connect with me in a casual setting:
- September 4 at 9:00 a.m. – National Coney Island in Royal Oak
- September 11 at 5:30 p.m. – at the Board Office
- October 2 at 8:00 a.m. – The Office Coffee Shop
I am also excited to continue opportunities for community engagement:
- Soup with the Super is happening on Wednesday, September 24, at 11:30 a.m. at the Royal Oak Senior Center (3500 Marais Avenue). This event is designed for senior citizens in our community to connect with our leadership team and ROHS student leaders over a warm meal and conversation. This month, I will join Don Loomis, Principal of Royal Oak High School; Derek Smith, Athletics and Activities Director for Royal Oak Schools; and student-athletes to talk with our Royal Oak Senior Citizens. Use this link to RSVP.
- On September 30, at 7:00 p.m. in the board room, I will deliver the State of the Schools Address. This is open to the public, and I hope to see you there.
I am eager to work together to make this a productive, rewarding year for every student. If you have questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out—I value your partnership in helping our students thrive.
Coming Soon
A New Podcast with Superintendent Tafelski! A new bi-weekly podcast is on the way, giving students the chance to sit down with Superintendent Dr. John Tafelski and ask the questions on everyone’s mind—from the tough to the not-so-tough.
To get ready, check out the kick-off interview with Jaret Grisamer and Dr. Tafelski. Their conversation dives into his vision for the district, his goals, his connection to education, and even his allegiance to a certain college football team.
Stay tuned for the launch of this student-led series—a fresh way to hear directly from our superintendent and celebrate the voices of our #ROSCommunityofExcellence.
LAUNCH INTO LEARNING
Our third annual "Launch into Learning" professional development event, held on August 20 at Royal Oak Middle School, was a powerful start to the new school year. The event successfully brought together our entire professional community for a day of collaborative growth and shared inspiration, aligning our collective efforts with the Royal Oak Schools mission to foster an inclusive, diverse, and growth-minded learning environment for all students.
The primary goal of "Launch into Learning" is to leverage the incredible talent and dedication within our district. This year's event was a testament to that. We offered approximately 80 professional development sessions, and I am particularly proud to report that an impressive 96% of these sessions were facilitated by our own Royal Oak staff. This high level of internal expertise and peer-to-peer learning highlights the professional capacity and collaborative spirit of our educators.
The energy and enthusiasm were palpable as staff members deeply engaged in workshops on topics ranging from innovative instructional strategies and technology integration to social-emotional learning and community building. Participants shared best practices, built stronger professional connections, and left feeling inspired and prepared to implement new ideas in their classrooms. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we've received confirms that this event was a tremendous success.
"Launch into Learning" was more than just a training day; it was a powerful statement of our commitment to continuous improvement. The knowledge and connections forged will undoubtedly lead to richer, more engaging, and more supportive learning experiences for our students. This event has positioned our district for a year of excellence and continued growth.
Save The Date
Curriculum night is coming up for our Royal Oak Schools Families.
Elementary Curriculum Night is September 4 at 6:00 PM - please look for information from your school for exact times.
Royal Oak High School is hosting its Curriculum Night on September 8 at 6:00 PM.
Royal Oak Middle School is excited to invite you to their Community Connection & Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 16, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
PARTNERING WITH CHAMPIONS
Royal Oak Schools is excited to announce a new partnership with Champions™ (a division of KinderCare™) to enhance before and after school care for elementary families. This transition, expected to be complete by December 1, 2025, will expand access, improve convenience, and provide high-quality enrichment opportunities for students.
For years, the district has worked diligently to meet the growing demand for care through the Young Oaks program. Despite expanded staffing efforts, waitlists remain a challenge. By bringing Champions™ on-site at each elementary school, families will no longer need daily transportation to off-site locations. The program will also eliminate waitlists, offer flexible scheduling, and introduce weekly billing options.
Champions™ brings nearly two decades of expertise, offering structured, enriching activities that support academic growth, creativity, and social-emotional development. Students will benefit from engaging experiences such as homework help, STEM, art, and physical movement. In addition, care will be available on half days and through day camps during school breaks like winter, mid-winter, and spring.
This new partnership will allow Royal Oak Schools to free up resources and focus on expanding additional after-school opportunities, including clubs, tutoring, and academic competitions. Families who qualify for financial assistance can continue to receive support, and discounts will also be available.
Superintendent Dr. John Tafelski shared, “This partnership will provide a stronger wraparound experience for our students and families while allowing our district to focus on new enrichment opportunities.”
Enrollment information and tuition assistance details will be shared with families this fall. Families are encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application as the first step toward financial support eligibility. Please feel free to reach out to Danielle Truesdell (danielle.truesdell@royaloakschools.org) with any additional questions.
SHARE YOUR VOICE
We want to hear from you! Royal Oak Schools is asking families, staff, and community members to share feedback on district communications. Your input will help us improve how we connect, inform, and engage with you.
The Communications Survey opens on September 2 and will remain open through September 30. It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, and your responses will provide valuable insight into what’s working well and where we can improve.
If you are a Royal Oak Schools family or community member, use this button to complete the survey.
Royal Oak Schools staff members will receive a different survey.
Thank you for helping us strengthen communication in our district.
NEW IN THE DISTRICT
New Staff
A new school year always brings a sense of fresh energy, renewed purpose, and exciting new beginnings. This fall, we’re thrilled to welcome a wide range of new staff members to the Royal Oak Schools family. From classroom teachers and paraeducators to athletics staff, secretaries, and support personnel, each new team member brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Together, they will strengthen our schools and help ensure that every student in our #ROSCommunityofExcellence feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential.
New Title
Royal Oak Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joe Youanes as Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Youanes brings extensive experience in education, leadership, and student-centered innovation to his new role. Throughout his career, he has championed inclusive learning environments and cultivated strong partnerships with staff, families, and the broader community.
In this position, Dr. Youanes will work closely with Superintendent Dr. John Tafelski to advance the district’s vision of creating a Community of Excellence and its mission of providing an inclusive, diverse, safe, and student-first environment.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Youanes into this vital role,” said Dr. Tafelski. “His dedication to students and his collaborative approach to leadership will strengthen our work as a district and further our commitment to excellence.”
Dr. Youanes expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity: “It is an honor to serve the Royal Oak Schools community in this capacity. I look forward to working alongside our educators, students, and families to support learning, equity, and innovation across the district.”
TRANSITIONING FOR SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Royal Oak Schools is excited to announce that we are transitioning from Remind to ParentSquare for two-way communication with families and staff. This new platform brings district, school, and classroom updates together in one place—making it easier than ever for families to stay informed and connected.
With ParentSquare, you’ll be able to:
- Receive updates via email, text, or the free mobile app
- View calendar events and announcements
- Send and receive messages with teachers and staff
- Sign forms, schedule conferences, and more—all in your preferred language
ParentSquare has created a Getting Started One-Pager to help families learn more about ParentSquare’s features and how to get set up quickly.
Families will notice many familiar tools from Remind, along with new capabilities that make communication more seamless and accessible. If you have questions, the Help section—available by clicking the question mark at the top of the ParentSquare website or the triple bar icon in the app—offers articles and answers to frequently asked questions.
Watch for more information as we prepare to make this change.
Greetings from the Deeper Dive!
I hope that everyone had a rejuvenating summer! As we enter into the 2025-2026 school year, the theme of embracing change deeply resonates with me. Three statements resonate with me the most:
- Change can be scary at times
- Change can often yield great results
- Change is inevitable
As you, your family, and community navigate through any recent changes please consider to keep these factors in mind. I know many members of our community may have recently experienced changes with adjusting to new schools, a new district, a new home, different family dynamics, etc. Approaching these changes with an open mind and optimistic point-of-view will help to make these transitions much easier. No matter the change, please know that your ROS family is here to support you along the way!
Speaking of change, we welcomed many new staff members who reached a pivotal point in their new careers! On August 13 and 14, we were honored to welcome an amazing group during New Teacher Orientation. During Day one of the orientation, I had the pleasure of meeting with the group to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in action in ROS, building and fostering inclusive learning environments, and the importance of self-care. Immediately following our DEI session, we took a tour around the district to see all of our learning facilities, neighboring Royal Oak landmarks and parks, and visited a RO staple, Ray’s Ice Cream. Please join me in welcoming all of our new staff members and wishing them well throughout this new journey!
Great news! As promised, the InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit has begun its new series,"Interfaith Odysseys." As a reminder, this program is similar to the "Journeys" program that some of our middle school students participate in. It is open to all ages, and September 16 will be the first event of the four-part series during this school year. Please visit detroitinterfaithcouncil.com to learn more about the council, and review the flyer below to sign up if you are interested.
It is with great enthusiasm that I extend a warm welcome and well wishes to all our students and families as we commence this new academic year. This period promises exceptional learning experiences, significant personal development, and the formation of enduring, shared memories that will positively impact our community. Let’s make it a great year everyone!
~Ashley Phillips, DEI Coordinator
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY RECAP
What a night! Our second annual Family Welcome Back Night was a huge success, bringing together over 40 community partners alongside Royal Oak Schools staff, PTAs, students, and families. The weather presented a challenge, but the night ended up being beautiful, and the Ravens got a win for the home crowd!
Highlights included:
🎁 Giveaways and games at nearly every booth, plus raffles to keep the fun going.
🧘 Misfit Yoga inviting families to “do a yoga pose for a prize.”
🥋 PKSA Karate wowed the crowd with a live demo and board cracking.
🦅 Our school mascots played basketball with young fans and posed for photos.
🏀 Hooper from the Detroit Pistons high-fived fans, showed off tricks, played with kids, and even met our Board of Education, high school leadership team, and Superintendent.
🎨 NAHS National ART Honor Society students painting kids faces for free.
🍦 Berkley Rugby players sold Ray’s Ice Cream and pizza while sharing info about their league, which they’re opening to Royal Oak players.
🍕 Marco’s Pizza generously supplied food for volunteers.
🌭 Chartwells provided hot dogs, chips, and pop to families.
📚 The Royal Oak Public Library signed up attendees for library cards.
🚒 The City of Royal Oak brought a DPS truck, firetruck, and police cruiser—and of course, Raider the therapy dog, who was happy to accept plenty of belly rubs.
We are grateful to our community sponsors, school staff, volunteers, and students who made this event possible. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the start of another great school year!
DATES FOR SEPTEMBER
September - Suicide Prevention Month
September 1 - No School/Labor Day
September 4 - Coffee and Conversation at National Coney Island 9:00 AM
September 4 - Curriculum Night at Elementary Schools
September 8 - Curriculum Night at Royal Oak High School
September 10 - Late Start For Students
September 11 - Coffee and Conversation before the Board Meeting 5:30 PM
September 11 - Board of Education Meeting 6:30 PM
September 16 - Curriculum Night at Royal Oak Middle School
September 16 - ROPAC Meeting 6:30 PM
September 24 - Late Start For Students
September 24 - Soup With The Super 11:30 AM
September 30 - State Of The Schools 7:00 PM
JOB OPENINGS
We’d love for you to join our team!
Explore current opportunities and apply for most positions with Royal Oak Schools by visiting: https://bit.ly/3rO26d1workforros. Want to learn more about working with us? Visit our Human Resources webpage to explore career opportunities, benefits, and what it means to be part of the Royal Oak Schools team.
- Substitute teachers: EDUStaff is our partner for substitute teachers. Please apply through their website at: edustaff.org.
- Paraeducators: We need you! A paraeducator collaborates with a team of teachers to support qualified students in achieving academic success 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 additional options available. 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.
If you have any further questions, please contact Beth Caverly at the District Offices: elizabeth.caverly@royaloakschools.org or (248) 435-8400, extension 1210.
COMMENTS? STORY IDEAS?
Send them to: communications@royaloakschools.org
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Copyright 2025
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