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

JANUARY 2025

In This Issue

  • Message From Our Superintendent
  • New Employees
  • Update Your Family Information
  • Developmental Kindergarten/Kindergarten Information
  • Schools of Choice Information
  • Royal Oak Schools Free Skate Nights
  • Senior Gold Cards/Pool Update
  • Volunteer to Compost
  • Around The District
  • Curriculum Insights: Performing Arts
  • The Deeper Dive
  • MLK Jr. Day
  • Elementary Robotics Shine
  • Disney Trip Winner
  • Did You See It On Social?
  • January Calendar
  • Job Postings In The District
Message From Our Superintendent

KICKING OFF 2025

Dear Royal Oak Schools Families,

Happy New Year 2025!

January is Board of Education Appreciation Month, so I’d like to thank those elected to serve and guide Royal Oak Schools. In December, we thanked Lisa-Aline Hanes for her service to our community as an outgoing Board of Education trustee who started on the Board in 2021. At the January 9, 2025, regular meeting, we will swear in returning members Tim Ciechorski, Erika Alexander, Maryanne VanHaitsma, and new board member Matt Wickey. January is officially Board of Education Appreciation Month, and I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the work they do on behalf of our students, educators, and community. Their commitment to improving educational opportunities and ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your thoughtful decisions and focus on creating an environment where all students can flourish.

We will wrap up the first semester at the end of this month, and plans are in place to prepare for the 2025-26 school year. One item that is reviewed and updated all year long is our safety plans.

Regularly scheduled meetings to address school protocols, safety plans, and training provide timely updates and discussions to ensure we are on track with our plans, policies, and protocols. Our administrative team meets each month to review recent events, new needs, and professional development training for physical and emotional safety. We often discuss feedback from our drills and any new legislation or public school policies that must be addressed. Our team tracks equipment and supply needs and shares best practices when handling any recent issues.

The district’s Safety Advisory Committee is a new committee, meeting four times this year. Select members of our leadership team, ROPD, security consultants, and teacher leaders review the district’s work and bring new ideas to the table to enhance the safety of our schools. These critical connections and conversations allow the advisory board to ask questions and provide feedback to our leadership team. At the June 12, 2025, Regular Board of Education Meeting, I will present an overview of the safety advisory committee’s work and share key elements that will be in place for the 2025-26 school year.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your school principal or me, and be sure to read their updates and ours in the newsletters.

- Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Superintendent Royal Oak Schools

New Employees

WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES

Royal Oak Schools is proud to welcome a dynamic group of new educators and support staff to our team.

  • Breanna Bennett, Paraprofessional at Royal Oak Middle School
  • James Bowker, Counselor at Royal Oak Middle School
  • Madison Grantling, Paraprofessional at Upton Elementary
  • Marnie Pinho, Administrative Assistant for Instruction and Curriculum
  • Elizabeth Wahl, Paraprofessional at Addams Elementary
Update Your Family Information

UPDATING YOUR INFORMATION

With inclement weather on the horizon, it’s essential to ensure we can reach you quickly with emergency updates or important announcements. Please take a moment to verify and update your contact information in MISTAR, including your child's emergency contacts.

The district uses multiple communication channels to keep families informed, so it’s crucial that your information is accurate. If you’ve recently changed your address, email address, phone number, or if you’d like to adjust how you receive communications, log in to the MISTAR Parent Portal to:

  • Update your contact details.
  • Add preferred communication methods.
  • Change your password to something memorable.

Keeping your information current helps us ensure that you stay connected and informed during critical moments. Address changes can now be submitted in the Mistar Parent Portal. Parents can now digitally fill out the address change form and submit that along with their proof of residence in the portal.

Did you know you can receive text messages from the district? You need to opt-in to receive texts in MISTAR. If you want to receive communication in your preferred language, you must also enter that in MISTAR. Effective communication lies at the heart of our diverse community. By ensuring our communications are accessible to all, we create a space where every family feels valued.

You can use this link to get started: https://mistar.oakland.k12.mi.us/royaloak/ParentPortal/.

Developmental Kindergarten/Kindergarten Information

DK/KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION

We are excited to welcome our future kindergartener families to Kindergarten Information Night on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.! This special evening is an opportunity to meet our dedicated staff, learn about our kindergarten and developmental kindergarten programs, and explore Royal Oak Schools. Families will gain valuable information about the enrollment process and the exciting journey that awaits their children. Remember, this event is not for your child. There will be chances for your future student to tour the school and meet the Principal in the spring.

DK/Kindergarten Enrollment for Royal Oak Schools Residents for the 2025-2026 school year begins Monday, February 3, 2025.

What is Developmental Kindergarten?

Developmental Kindergarten (DK) allows students to spend additional time physically and emotionally developing in a safe and secure environment before Kindergarten. Students in DK experience similar opportunities as other Kindergarten students but are taught at a pace and intensity dependent on individual readiness.

  • Developmental Kindergarten follows the same laws and enrollment requirements as traditional kindergarten.

Age Requirements for Enrollment

  • Standard Kindergarten Eligibility: Children must be five (5) years old on or before September 1, 2025, to enroll in kindergarten.
  • Kindergarten Age Waiver Option: If your child turns five (5) between September 2 and December 1, 2025, they may still be enrolled. Parents/guardians must notify the district in writing at the time of enrollment by completing a Kindergarten Age Waiver form.

We look forward to welcoming our youngest learners to our Community of Excellence! For questions or additional information, visit our website or contact your local school.

Schools of Choice Information

SCHOOLS OF CHOICE

In March, the Schools of Choice application window will open for a limited number of seats for students entering Developmental Kindergarten and Kindergarten through 8th grade for Fall 2025.

This opportunity extends to Oakland County residents outside the boundaries of the Royal Oak School district. Connect with us now to secure a place for your child in our schools.

Application Period: March 10 - April 8, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

Royal Oak Schools Free Skate Nights

FREE SKATE DAYS

We are excited to remind you of Royal Oak Schools Free Skate Days, sponsored by M3 Investment Services! These fun-filled evenings offer students an opportunity to enjoy ice skating while connecting with friends and classmates in downtown Royal Oak.

Mark your calendars for the following dates:

  • Wednesday, January 8
  • Wednesday, January 22
  • Wednesday, February 5

Students at Royal Oak Middle School and Royal Oak High School skate for free on these dates with a valid school ID. Elementary students with their parents/guardians can mention their school for free entry (a parent or guardian must be present to confirm).

Join us for these exciting events as we celebrate community and fun on the ice!

Senior Gold Cards/Pool Update

SENIOR GOLD CARDS

Royal Oak Schools celebrates its senior citizens by offering a "Gold Card" to all district residents who are 60 years of age or older. This pass entitles bearers to free admission to all school-sponsored events, including sports activities, musical and performing arts programs, and anything else that might normally include an admission fee.

Passes are issued at the Royal Oak Schools Administrative Building, 800 DeVillen, Royal Oak. (Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed for lunch between 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

Residents will be asked to present a driver's license or identifying information verifying their age when applying for the pass. Please call (248) 435-8400 if you have questions about the Gold Card.

AQUATICS PROGRAM UPDATE:

Aquatics programs, including Open Swim, Swim Lessons, and Water Fitness classes, are canceled until further notice. If you have questions regarding this, please reach out to the City of Royal Oak Parks and Recreation Department. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Volunteer to Compost

CONSIDER COMPOSTING

Royal Oak Schools is taking a big step toward sustainability by implementing composting in our cafeterias, and we need your help to make it a success! Together, we can reduce waste, educate our students, and create a healthier environment for our community.

Why Composting Matters:

  • Composting is a simple but impactful way to turn food scraps and other organic materials into nutrient-rich soil, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. By participating, you’re not only helping the planet but also teaching students the importance of sustainable practices.

How You Can Help:

  • We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to assist in our cafeterias with sorting waste.

Volunteers Will:

  • Guide students in properly sorting compostable items, plastics, and other recyclables into the correct bins.
  • Work directly with students, fostering their understanding of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Volunteer Details:

  • When: Flexible shifts are available during lunch hours.
  • Where: School cafeterias across Royal Oak Schools.
  • Who: Parents, guardians, and community members passionate about making a difference.

Get Involved Today! Sign up now to become a composting volunteer. Let’s make our schools greener, one lunch at a time.

Around The District

STUDENT SNAPSHOTS

Students from the Purple Cat room at the ECC were enjoying making self-portraits and trying to sew on real leaves!
Addams Elementary proudly unveiled our Autism Acceptance Mural, created with the help of Elizabeth Whitlow, Ryan Woodward, and our incredible school community. The journey to create this meaningful artwork began last year during Autism Acceptance Month. Students were invited to participate in a drawing contest to inspire the mural's design. Families then joined the effort by donating bottle caps of all shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing us to create an eco-friendly mural that celebrates acceptance and inclusivity.
Our Keller 4th graders had an unforgettable trip to the Michigan State Capitol, touring the historic building and meeting Governor Whitmer! This hands-on experience brought their classroom lessons about government to life.
Former teacher Kris Ryan visited Northwood Elementary to read to Elise McCutchen’s second-grade class! Fun fact: Elise is a former student of Kris’s from Oakland! What an amazing full-circle moment and a treat for the students!
Mrs. Doody’s fourth-grade class from Oak Ridge visited the DIA, where students explored the museum in small groups led by docents. The interactive tours sparked engaging conversations about various pieces of art, making it a memorable and educational experience!
At Oakland, students in grades 2-5 practiced teamwork and communication in Mr. Doody's PE class as they worked together to cross the gym without touching the ground—a fan-favorite game that challenges skills and brings lots of fun!
Upton’s Student Senate organized a cereal drive, collecting 165 boxes for the Berkley Cares Food Pantry! The school enjoyed an exciting domino rally with all the donated cereal to celebrate this incredible effort.
ROMS made history with its first-ever Forensics Speech Contest! Highlights include Eleanor McManaway taking 1st in Declamation, Owen Ho earning 2nd in Storytelling, Evan Hunt placing 4th in Sales, and Lucy Koster securing 5th in Informative. With over 60 students competing, ROMS proudly took home 4th place overall!
The ROHS Art Department proudly had 65 students participate in the Scholastic Art Awards competition for the Southeast Michigan Region! This prestigious competition, now in its 101st year, is the nation’s oldest annual high school art contest. Stay tuned—works selected for the exhibit will be announced on January 26th! In the meantime, here’s a glimpse at some of the incredible creations by our talented Raven Artists.
Our TRAILS students enjoyed some festive field trips for the holiday...and they got a visit from Cooper, the ROS Therapy Dog.
Curriculum Insights: Performing Arts

PERFORMING ARTS SHINES IN COMMUNITY EVENTS

During December's Royal Oak Cookie Crawl community event, which brought together over two dozen downtown Royal Oak businesses, our talented performing arts groups delighted attendees with a memorable showcase!

The music department provided three dynamic sets of music for the occasion. Two sets featured a small ensemble of Royal Oak High School band students under the direction of Dave Jensen. These exceptional performers included saxophones, trumpets, trombones, tubas, a bass clarinet, flutes, and a percussionist.

After completing their lively Cookie Crawl performances, the ROHS musicians joined the Berkley Holiday Lights Parade, proudly marching as part of the ROHS Marching Ravens.

Adding to the holiday magic, the final set featured 17 fifth-grade students from across the district under the direction of Mary Johnson and Lisa Dabrowski. These enthusiastic young performers sang three songs from the All City Concert held on November 25th and impressed the crowd with three additional holiday songs they mastered in just four days!

The dedication and talent of our performing arts students continue to shine and spread joy.

The Deeper Dive

THE LATEST IN DEI

Greetings from the Deeper Dive!

Happy New Year to everyone, and I hope that all of our students had a joyful and restorative break! While changes in familiar routines can sometimes present opportunities to navigate through various challenges, it is also great to have a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

As a reminder, we are looking forward to connecting with the Berkley and Clawson communities on Monday, January 20, 2025, to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s celebration will include musical performances, service projects, a collaborative art opportunity with the MLK Art Team, and much more. Please click here for more information about this upcoming event.

We are also preparing to host a watch site for the National African American Read-In next month. Last year’s read-in was a great opportunity, and we would love to have even more participation this year. This event centers on African American books and authors and was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. Please click here to learn more about this initiative and last year’s success. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, February 27th from 6-7pm. Stay tuned for more information on location and details to reserve your families’ spot for the event.

~Ashley Phillips, DEI Coordinator

MLK Jr. Day

JOIN US FOR A DAY ON

Royal Oak Schools, Berkley Schools, and Clawson Schools are proud to partner again for the annual MLK Jr. Day of Service. This community event honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service, reflection, and unity.

This year’s celebration will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Berkley High School, 2325 Catalpa in Berkley, and promises a day of meaningful activities designed to bring the community together in the spirit of Dr. King’s vision.

Event Highlights:

  • Light Breakfast & Inspiration: Begin the day with a complimentary breakfast at 9:00 AM, followed by inspiring speeches, choir performances, and opportunities to connect with neighbors.
  • Celebratory Walk: Join a community walk to honor Dr. King’s enduring message of equality, justice, and peace.
  • Service Projects: Roll up your sleeves and participate in hands-on activities such as blanket-making, donation sorting, and crafting cards to spread kindness and support those in need.

This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together to serve others. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or community-wide efforts, the MLK Jr. Day of Service embodies the principle of turning this day into "A Day On, Not a Day Off."

More Information can be found on the City of Royal Oak website, including donation lists, a link to an Amazon Wish List, and more. Use this link for more information about the event.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Elementary Robotics Shine

ELEMENTARY ROBOTICS TAKE THE STAGE

Royal Oak Schools showcased incredible talent, teamwork, and innovation during a recent weekend of robotics competitions held at Royal Oak Middle School. Across the district, students from multiple elementary schools worked tirelessly to design, build, and code their robots, all while fostering problem-solving skills and learning the importance of perseverance.

Keller Elementary fielded six teams, with several placing in the top 10 rankings. Highlights included the Timmy Squad, which secured 3rd place for the Innovations Project Award, and The 5 Royal Ducklings Wearing Crocs, who earned 3rd place overall, along with the Robot Performance Award and the coveted Champions Award, earning them a spot in the state competition.

Students at Northwood and Oakland Elementary Schools also impressed judges with their LEGO-based projects and robot designs. From younger teams presenting creative solutions to this year’s theme, “Submerged,” to older students competing with their robots, the season demonstrated the power of collaboration and resilience. Oakland Elementary celebrated additional success, with team members Grace, Scarlett, and Claire advancing to the next level of competition.

This successful season would not have been possible without the dedication of our coaches, mentors, and volunteers. Special thanks to Coach McLeod for her leadership, Mrs. Miller for guiding Northwood’s program with the help of ROHS student mentors, and Sarah Milligan, an ROHS student and Keller alumna, for her incredible work establishing Robotics Clubs across all Royal Oak elementary schools.

Disney Trip Winner

STUDENT WINS MAGICAL TRIP

Addams ECC student Eleanor M. and her family recently enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World as part of Jay’s Juniors, a program sponsored by Jay Towers of 100.3 WNIC. The family joined other selected families for a magical adventure from December 3rd to 7th, staying at the luxurious Grand Floridian Hotel and Spa.

Eleanor, who has Down syndrome, experienced pure joy at Disney’s iconic attractions. Her favorite moments included the Lion King performance at Animal Kingdom, the Encanto show at Epcot, and classic rides like It’s a Small World and the Teacups at Magic Kingdom.

Jen, Eleanor’s mom, shared, "We had a fantastic time in Disney with Jay’s Juniors. Traveling with Jay Towers, the Jay’s Juniors team, and the other families made the experience even more special.”

Eleanor (3) , Jen (mom), Griffin (9), Scott (dad), and Stella (7)

The family, including Eleanor’s siblings who attend Keller Elementary in 2nd and 4th grade, embraced the magic of Disney together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Did you see it on social?
Dates for January

DATES FOR JANUARY

January - School Board Recognition Month

January 6 - School Resumes

January 9 - Board of Education Meeting

January 20 - No School/Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 24 - No School/Teacher Records Day

January 29 - Late Start for Students

📅 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 Postings In The District

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.

The District Dispatch

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The District Dispatch Mission: To inform all interested in the Royal Oak Schools community and deliver information straight to them through stories of our people, our successes, and our future.

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Copyright 2025

Created By
Amy Murphy

Credits:

Created with images by Tom Pavlasek - "Treestop winter" • Valentina R. - "Snowman on snow" • wollertz - "hot cocoa winter cocktail" • candy1812 - "little knitted snowmans on soft snow on blue background" • WavebreakMediaMicro - "School kids raising hands while teacher explaining the functioning of human skeleton in classroom" • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "partial view of young woman tying shoe laces on ice skates." • Ксения Овчинникова - "2025 text background. New year and business concept strategy." • Rolands - "white winter and snowy road in the woods where the trees are snowy white" • chathuporn - "photographer take pictures Snapshot with camera. man hand holding with camera looking through lens.Concept for photographing articles Professionally." • magele-picture - "Curriculum" • Aevan - "Etched into the stone on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, a marker of the exact spot Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood to deliver the 'I Have a Dream' speech in 1963 in Washington DC" • DG - "With cinematic color grading, the fireworks display mesmerizes a family, their expressions reflecting pure wonder as the night sky bursts into color." • stillforstyle - "Hello January wallpaper, winter landscape with frozen, snowy forest" • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "top view of magnifying glass near cardboard squares with jobs lettering on yellow background" • Young - "christmas snowy winter snowflakes falling background cinematic"